Councillor Halden introduced the report and stated this had come to Cabinet because of the value of the contract. He then stated that funding would not be withdrawn for in-year school transport that had already been granted, but that too often the Council was relying on ad-hoc taxis under the exceptional circumstances category. He added that this report would better manage approved routes as the Council would no longer have to spot purchase taxis. He finally thanked Ensign Bus for all their work on the routes, particularly in areas such as Aveley.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:

1. Approved the re-tender of a framework contract for Children’s Transport in accordance with the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules for a term of four years commencing at the start of the academic year 2019/2020.

2. Agreed the award of the contract be delegated to the Corporate Director of Children’s Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Education and Health.

3. Noted that a further report will be presented should any policy changes be required in due course.