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Cllr Isabelle McKenzie and Rugby Lib Dems got full Council support for the following motion (Council 19th November)

 Notices of Motion pursuant to Standing Order 11. (a) “This Council notes with deep concern the reported letter written by Warwickshire County Council leader George Finch, Reform Party to the secretary of state for Education requesting a massive increase to the distances that children can be required to walk to school. Reform’s George Finch requests: 

• Children as young as 4 years old should walk up to 8 miles per day, and 

• Children aged 8 years should walk up to 10 miles per day. This Council has a duty of care towards its residents and is incredibly concerned over these proposals. It raises questions over educational access, child welfare and road safety. It disproportionately affects people who are unable to drive their children to school and is therefore more likely to affect poorer families and those with disabilities. 

This Council believes that such distances are wholly inappropriate for children of such young ages and may pose risks to their physical health, emotional wellbeing, and ability to engage effectively in learning. The proposals could disproportionately affect families in rural areas, those with limited transport options, and children with disabilities or additional needs. Furthermore, the Council recognises the importance of promoting active travel and sustainability but asserts that any such initiatives must be age-appropriate, inclusive, and grounded in evidence-based child development standards. 

Therefore, this Council resolves to: (a) write to Warwickshire County Council to express our concerns regarding the proposed changes that seek to increase school walking distances to levels that are not developmentally suitable for young children; (b) write to the Secretary of State for Education and Warwickshire Members of Parliament relevant parliamentary representatives to request ask them to refuse Reform’s request; and (c) promote safe, accessible, and age-appropriate travel options for all children attending school within the Borough, our jurisdiction.” Proposer: Councillor McKenzie Seconder: Councillor Bennett

Link to web stream https://www.rugby.gov.uk/web/guest/l/60890271