Suffolk Tory majority shuts down debate on final school transport proposals

Flying in the face of widespread concern by parents, teachers and local communities across the county, Conservative Councillors used their overwhelming majority and denied members the chance to debate the final school transport proposals.

The cross party opposition motion to give all members a chance to express an opinion prior to cabinet decision failed to receive support from the ruling party.

On 22 March, the Conservative majority at Suffolk County Council voted unanimously against a motion that would have allowed all councillors the chance to vote on the final school transport proposals, before the Cabinet makes a decision in June. These proposals have been causing considerable concern to the county at large.

The decision may have a significant impact on Woodbridge - because it is a town containing 8 schools. County Councillor Caroline Page had urged local councils to respond to the consultation which closed on 28th February.

Caroline also contacted Farlingaye High School, and held an awareness-raising stall in Woodbridge Thoroughfare on a Saturday morning to facilitate a direct response from local people.

She added, "The cross-party motion, proposed by Labour and seconded by the Liberal Democrat, Green and Independent Group, called for an extraordinary Council meeting to debate and hold a non-binding vote on the final proposals. This would have given councillors representing the most affected areas, the chance to have their say and raise their concerns, whatever their political allegiance. I am deeply disappointed that this motion did not receive the support of the county council. It is very strange that Conservative councillors have denied themselves the opportunity to fully represent those who elected them".

"From the very beginning, the Lib Dem, Green, Independent group has fought against these proposals. We are extremely concerned that a change in school transport policy will not achieve any significant savings, whilst causing untold harm to thousands of rural families - and local roads. In my roles as group spokesperson for Transport, for Women and my many years on Suffolk's Educational Transport Panel I have been particularly concerned about rural transport".

"Many other councillors share our concerns. They, and their constituents, deserve the right to have a say. It is a shame they did not have the courage to speak up and support this motion".

Clearly, open debate is now no longer deemed necessary or part of the Suffolk Conservative agenda having won the 2017 County Elections. The Liberal Democrats will continue to support parents and schools as our roads become congested as a result of this policy, with the predictable effects on speed, safety, air-quality, and quality of life.

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