Agenda and minutes

To receive any declarations of interest.

No declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests were made at the meeting.

The Appeals Committee’s main role is to determine any review and/or appeal that the Council is required to undertake; including any appeal arising in connection to any educational or discretionary grant/relief function of the Council. 

The committee will also consider an application for discharge from mental health guardianship, application/potential revocation of any parking concession relating to a disabled person whether there is any suggestion of misuse.  Certain financial assessment disputes relating to residential or nursing home accommodation being provided to a person and a review of certain personal data issues can also be determined by this committee.

The Terms of Reference were noted.

To receive questions or statements on the business of the committee from town and parish councils and members of the public.

There were no public questions or statements received at the meeting.

There were no urgent items.

The Chairman raised the issue of future meeting arrangements and asked Members whether they thought it would be practical to have smaller panels of the Appeals Committee meeting on a rotating basis.

Several members considered this to be a good idea, but others felt as they had not sat on this Committee before, they would benefit from attending as many meetings of the Committee as possible.

Cllr Paul Kimber was not prepared to support the idea.

The Chairman suggested the position be reassessed at a future date.

Resolved

That the Chairman reassess the position at a future date.

To move the exclusion of the press and the public for the following item in view of the likely disclosure of exempt information within the meaning of paragraphs 1 and 2 of schedule 12 A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

The public and the press will be asked to leave the meeting whilst the item of business is considered.

That the press and the public be excluded for the following item(s) in view of the likely disclosure of exempt information within the meaning of paragraphs 1 and 2 of schedule 12 A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

To consider the School Transport Appeals referred to in the exempt report by the Executive Director of People - Children.

The Committee considered a number of appeals against the Council’s refusal to provide pupils with transport support.

Resolved

1.          That the appeal on behalf of KA against the Council’s refusal to provide transport support between her home and St Mary’s Middle School, Puddletown, be allowed until the end of term July 2020.

2.          That the appeal on behalf of MP against the Council’s refusal to provide transport support between her home and Thorners Primary School, be refused.