The Wiltshire Council Appeals Sub-Committee (School Transport) met on 18 June 2025 to consider a school transport appeal. The panel upheld the original decision that there was no obligation to provide free transport to Lavington School, but agreed to provide a space in an existing taxi from Westbury Leigh to Lavington School, due to the exceptional circumstances raised by the appellant.

School Transport Appeal

The sub-committee considered a school transport appeal, hearing representations from both the Transport Officer and the appellant. The agenda and reports pack included the officer's report, the appellant's submission, supporting evidence, and the relevant transport policy and law.

After hearing the representations, the panel made the following decisions:

• The panel accepted the officer's report and concluded that there was no legal obligation to provide free home to school transport to Lavington School.
• Recognising the exceptional circumstances presented by the appellant, the panel agreed to provide a space for the appellant in an existing taxi from Westbury Leigh to Lavington School for the remainder of their secondary education.

Exclusion of Press and Public

The committee resolved to exclude the press and public from the meeting during the discussion of the school transport appeal. This decision was made in accordance with section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972¹, as it was determined that the presence of the public would likely lead to the disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1 and 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act, and that the public interest in withholding the information outweighed the public interest in disclosing it.

Other Business

• Councillor Laura Mayes was elected as Chairman for the meeting.
• The minutes of the previous meeting held on 4 March 2025 were approved as a correct record.
• The Chairman outlined the meeting procedure as detailed in the agenda.
• No declarations of interest were made.