Consultation: Post16 School/college Transport
Public Consultation
On the 28th February 2024 Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council approved a recommendation to carry out a public consultation exercise on possible changes to the provision of free transport for Post 16 learners in Merthyr Tydfil with a view to exploring potential efficiency savings. The consultation will run from Monday 20th May 2024 to Friday 9th August 2024.
Why do we need to make efficiency savings?
As a result of ongoing austerity measures the Council has seen a reduction in its core budget for 2024/25 with further cuts expected in the coming years.
Why are we looking at Post 16 Transport?
The provision of free post 16 transport is a discretionary service that the Council is not legally required to provide.
The Council currently provides free transport to post 16 pupils attending the following colleges/schools;
Coleg Y Cymoedd (Aberdare, Ystrad Mynach), Bridgend College (Pencoed Campus), The College Merthyr Tydfil, Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun, Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni, St John’s Baptist Church in Wales.
The cost of this service is approximately £96,774.00.
We are considering options to reduce these costs of providing post 16 transport and would like your views on the ways in which this could be done and what the impact might be.
In considering making any changes it is paramount that we seek the views off pupils, parents/carers, schools/colleges, Merthyr Tydfil residents and other key stakeholders on any proposed changes and also to seek any alternative proposals which have not yet been considered.
In order to meet requirements of the Welsh Language Standards, the Consultation Document has been updated to consider further the potential impacts on the Welsh Language and also includes specific questions asking for the views on the potential impacts of proposals on the Welsh Language.
All stakeholders will be able to contribute to the consultation online via the Council web pages at www.merthyr.gov.uk. Alternatively paper copies of the consultation can be obtained upon request from post16transport@merthyr.gov.uk
Two drop-in sessions will also run in conjunction to the online consultation, and these will take place at the following venues:
The College, Merthyr Tydfil on 12th June 2024 from 16:00pm - 18:00pm
The Soar, Merthyr Tydfil on 17th July 2024 from 16:00pm - 18:00pm
Treharris Community Centre – 29th July 2024 16:00pm – 18:00pm
Post-16 Home to School Transport Provision Consultation
Post-16 Home to School Transport Provision Consultation (Welsh Specific Questions)