The Wiltshire Council Appeals Sub-Committee (School Transport) met on 28 July 2025 to consider one school transport appeal. The panel upheld the officer's report that there was no legal obligation to provide free transport to Abbeyfield School but agreed to provide a public bus pass from Wootton Bassett to Chippenham for the next two years of the child's education, as well as an allowance for petrol costs from Cricklade to Wootton Bassett. Councillor Elizabeth Threlfall was elected as Chairman for the appeal.

School Transport Appeal

The Sub-Committee considered an appeal for school transport for a child in Year 9. The appellant had withdrawn appeals for two other children.

The panel accepted the officer's report stating that there was no legal obligation to provide free home to school transport to Abbeyfield School. However, after hearing representations from the Transport Officer and the appellant, the panel recognised the exceptional circumstances raised by the appellant.

The Sub-Committee agreed to provide a public bus pass for travel from Wootton Bassett to Chippenham for the next two years of the child's education. In addition, they agreed to provide an allowance for petrol costs at the HMRC¹ 2025 rate of 45p per mile for journeys from Cricklade to Wootton Bassett.

Exclusion of Press and Public

The Sub-Committee resolved to exclude members of 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 1972², specifically paragraphs 1 and 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act. The reason for this exclusion was to prevent the disclosure of exempt information.

Approval of Minutes

The Sub-Committee approved the minutes of the previous School Transport Appeal held on 4 March 2025 as a true and correct record.