Agenda item

To receive a report from the Cabinet Member on the implementation of the Scrutiny Investigation’s recommendations.

Councillor Linda Morgan left the room during the discussion.

The Chair highlighted that the field had been scrutinised in detail, but disappointment was expressed with the operation thus far.

Submitted - a report by the Cabinet Member on further progress made in relation to the recommendations of the Post-16 Education Transport Scrutiny Investigation. It was reported that the College faced financial difficulties, and by now had refused to operate as an agent. No specific reasons were given as to why it would not act as an agent.

It was highlighted that the Transport Policy had been reviewed and discussions between the Council and transport providers had come into fruition through perseverance. It was reported that there was an agreement on the flexibility of travel time on each route apart from one. (It was noted that discussions continued with the transport provider on the routes in question). In order to raise awareness of the changes, the need to arrange a publicity campaign by March was noted.

In response to the recommendation of collecting data to discover whether travel costs led to students dropping out of higher education, it was noted that there were two questionnaires for the 2016-2017 educational year, including a specific question regarding transport. It was explained that an analysis of the questionnaire would be available at the beginning of the summer term.

It was reported that a Users Forum had been established and that it was very successful as a means of holding discussions.  It was highlighted that the Users Forum would include representatives from the College, Council Officers, Transport Providers and Students.  It was suggested that the minutes of the Forum could be shared at the next preparatory meeting

The Cabinet Member expressed that the he accepted that implementing the recommendations had taken time, but by persevering, the majority of the recommendations involving the Council had been implemented. One of the main successes was ensuring the flexibility of the travel tickets.

During the ensuing discussion, the following observations were highlighted:

·                    That the College should accept responsibility for the students

·                    Need to emphasise that this was a partnership between the College and the Council and there was a need for the College to play its part

·                    Need to continue to ask the College to work as an agent

·                    The College had a responsibility for getting students to attend the College

·                    Welcome the ticket's flexibility - scope to expand hours after 6pm?

·                    Would it be possible to distribute a questionnaire to parents?

·                    Extend an invitation to the Assembly Member, Mr Ken Skates (Cabinet Secretary for the Economy and Infrastructure) and Coleg Menai Representatives to meet with the Committee.

RESOLVED to accept the report. Although the recommendations have taken time to be realised, with perseverance, the situation has improved. The following observations were made:

·         The minutes of the User Forum to be submitted to the next preparatory meeting

·         Extend an invitation to the Assembly Member, Mr Ken Skates (Cabinet Secretary for the Economy and Infrastructure) and Coleg Menai Representatives to meet with the Committee.