TRAFFORD Labour Group has reacted with anger to the news that the decision on the council's new All Age Transport Policy will be taken behind closed doors – whilst the council leader pointed out ‘significant, positive amendments’ have been made.

According to Trafford Council’s website, a ‘delegated executive decision’ on the All Age Transport Policy will be made by Wednesday May 18.

The policy has drawn much criticism because of the controversial decision to cut transport for students with disabilities at Brentwood Special School last year. This was a result of the implementation of the Home to School transport policy, which forms part of the overarching policy.

The new policy will apply to children of compulsory school age, pre-school children, children starting reception class, pupils attending grammar school or faith schools, young people of sixth form age, adult learners and adults with care and support needs.

The final decision was due to be determined at an executive meeting in March but was deferred just hours before it was scheduled to take place due to a legal challenge.

Now Cllr Andrew Western, leader of Trafford Labour Party, has slammed the council for allowing the ‘key decision’ on the policy to be made in private and by one executive member – the executive member for children’s services – rather than a full meeting of the council executive.

He said: "It is an absolute disgrace that the Tories have ducked this issue by choosing to take the executive decision behind closed doors. They have been challenged on this policy at every turn by both the Labour Group and the public, and are now trying to avoid scrutiny by delegating the decision to the executive member for children's services.

“If they are unprepared or unable to answer questions about the policy in public, they shouldn't be approving it at all. Residents want to see this subject to robust scrutiny, and those in receipt of transport support deserve no less. They clearly know the policy is indefensible - this is an act of extreme cowardice."

In its final budget proposal for 2016/17, Trafford Council decided to reinstate £70,000 back into the Home to School transport budget. This was to allow the executive to consider its response to the consultation on the All Age Integrated Transport policy.

Leader of the Council Cllr Sean Anstee said: “Since publication of the proposals in November 2015, Trafford Conservatives have listened extensively to the feedback received and have made significant, positive amendments to the policy.

“These changes include clarification of eligibility for transport, the appeals process, collection from a designated address rather than a pick up point and changes that will mean transport will continue to be significantly subsidised across Trafford. “These amendments mean the council now has an enhanced all age integrated transport provision for those who need it, resulting in no savings being made in this area and an additional spend of £51,000 per annum.

“We have met all of the democratic and transparency requirements required of us, including publication of the key decision notice and the decision is delegated in order to ensure the revised scheme is in place by May 31, which is a statutory duty on the council. I am sure the Labour party wouldn’t want to cause any further delay in finalising the scheme for publication.”