Decision details

Authorise the Corporate Director of Children & Families in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Children and Families, Property & Major Contracts and Adults & Housing to:

a)      To implement the best option for the service that meets the MTFS saving taking into account the further consultation being conducted

b)     Agree to adopt the new transport eligibility policy

RESOLVED:  That

(1)               the provision of special needs transport services, to include all routes to and out of borough schools and colleges and in-borough mainstream schools and colleges, be further outsourced;

(2)               in the event these measures do not achieve the necessary savings as set out in the report, the Corporate Director of Children and Families, in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holders, be authorised to make a decision to fully or partially outsource the transport arrangements for one of the special schools, most probably Shaftesbury High School;

(3)               the letting of a second transport provider framework contract to allow new providers to assist in the outsourcing referred to above be agreed.

Reason for Decision:  The Council had set a two year balanced budget that addressed the loss in government grants and safeguarded essential front-line services. Harrow Council has listened to the views of service users, staff, stakeholders and trades’ unions in altering plans from a full to a partial outsourcing.  The Trade Union, Unison, has produced an alterative proposal that officers have analysed and discussed in detail which has in part enabled a recommendation to be made to Cabinet.

If the service was to be externalised to a larger extent, a second framework would be needed to provide resilience in the supply chain, sustainable growth in small suppliers and the inclusion of more local and community based organisations in future transport provision.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  As set out in the report.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation Granted:  None.