SOUTH KESTEVEN:
ROUND THE COUNCILS CORNWALL:
ANGER AT ENGLISH TEST REQUIREMENT
Taxi drivers in South Kesteven district have expressed outrage over a new rule requiring them to take an English language test, even if they are native speakers, unless they can provide evidence of a competent level of English competency in line with national guidance. The council introduced the measure in August following complaints from passengers about the ‘level of English spoken by drivers’. Initially, the rule only applied to new drivers, but it has now been extended to existing taxi drivers. The test, which costs £46.50, is seen as unnecessary and burdensome by many drivers. The assessment looks at sentence use, vocabulary, fluency and pronunciation and applicants will need to score 47 out of 80 to pass the test. One driver, Barry Drake, who has been a taxi driver for 17 years, described the requirement as “humiliating” and “out of touch with real life issues.”
“I am English. The council knows I’m English. I am 70 years old”, he said. He has created a Facebook group to rally other drivers against the change. Other drivers have threatened to leave South Kesteven Council and switch to neighbouring authorities. Steven Newman and Peter Stanton both expressed frustration with the rule and the potential difficulties in obtaining proof of their English language qualifications. South Kesteven District Council has defended the policy, stating that it is in line with national guidance and aims to ensure the safety and satisfaction of passengers. A spokesperson said: “From 2021, this test was introduced only for new drivers. In the interests of equality and safety, the council has agreed to apply it to all drivers. There had been an online consultation before the rule was introduced.” The council also emphasised that the test is only required if the driver cannot provide satisfactory evidence of their English language skills. Despite the council’s explanation, the taxi drivers remain opposed to the rule, arguing that it is unnecessary for native English speakers.
PHTM NOVEMBER 2024 SCHOOL CONTRACTS REVIEWED
Cornwall Council is reviewing a number of home- to-school taxi routes and contracts as it grapples with increasing demand and rising costs for school transport services. The council’s 2024/25 budget includes a significant increase of nearly £9 million to fund school transport, following a forecasted overspend of £7.4 million earlier this year and it has been mentioned at previous council meetings that it may be paying some contractors over the odds. It's been suggested that around 50 taxi contracts providing school transport for special educational needs (SEN) students have been put out to tender. While the council has not confirmed the specific routes or schools affected, it has stated that it is evaluating contracts to ensure the best value for money while continuing to support a growing number of children and young people and their families in accessing education. Parents of SEN children have expressed concerns about the potential disruption to their children's routines, as many have
developed strong
relationships with their drivers and passenger assistants. The council’s review is being conducted with the advice of consultants, who have
identified
potential savings in school transport costs. Deputy leader David Harris has acknowledged that Cornwall’s vast distances and the need for competitive tendering, contribute to the high costs. The council’s chief operating officer has admitted that the local authority has been paying school-run taxi drivers excessive amounts, particularly for children with SEN. Tracie Langley told an economic scrutiny committee that home to school transport for children with additional educational needs is particularly expensive for the council. At the meeting, Cllr Mike McLening said: “Sometimes I get the feeling that perhaps we’re not as harsh as we should be when negotiating prices. You say about the taxi drivers ... ‘do we let them get away with a bit on pricing?’” Measures are being implemented to ensure fair pricing while still saving the council money.
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