Planned cuts to school transport have been axed after West Dunbartonshire Council dug deep to continue running services.
In December, a school transport review was tabled amongst options to help the council close a £21million budget gap, which the local authority’s Labour administration said was the legacy of the Scottish Government’s financial settlement for local authorities.
It was presented amongst other cuts as a way to shave £200k from the 2023/24 budget, as well as a further £100,000 in 2024/25 to help plug the budget black hole.
However the plan was met with outcry from parents, teaching staff and pupils, and could’ve seen some students facing 45 minute walks to school via unlit paths and industrial estates.
The option was considered by councillors as part of a package of cuts ahead of a final decision being given the green light.
The views of residents, parents, church representatives and school communities were considered as part of a statutory consultation. Education Scotland also provided feedback on any educational benefits derived from the proposal.
A series of meetings were held to let locals across the council area have their say, including at Our Lady and Saint Patrick’s High School and Vale of Leven Academy.
Some 203 respondents (88.6 percent) were against the proposed reduction when asked directly, with just 26 in favour.
WDC’s education department has now recommended replacing the recurring £200,000 saving by swapping the council’s school travel permits for the Scottish Government’s national Under-22 free bus travel passes. The report also recommends the retention of existing home to school travel arrangements.
Welcoming the news, Dumbarton councillor David McBride said: “This is a fantastic outcome for local residents, particularly those in Dumbarton West who would have been disproportionately affected by the proposal.
“I have always said that I will stand up for local residents and when OLSP was relocated to Bellsmyre I immediately got an assurance school transport from Dumbarton West will be protected.
“I am delighted to vote once again to ensure the school buses provision will continue for Dumbarton West pupils”.
Deputy Provost and vice-chair of the educational services committee, Councillor John Millar said: “I was worried for my constituents in the Leven Ward as, in my opinion, there weren’t any safe routes to school other than by bus so I’m really pleased with the outcome. It was important that we took the decision to review the schools’ transport arrangements but I’m really pleased that we can save the school bus service and at the same time make a £200,000 saving for the council.”
