CHANGES to Bridgend Council’s assisted transport policy have been approved by the local authority.
The decision was made by council bosses at a monthly cabinet meeting held on April 8, 2025.
It will see changes to assisted transport in Bridgend- which is given to adults with mobility problems, in order to help them access services such as day and leisure services.
The approval of the new policy means that assisted transport will only be provided by the local authority for those with the greatest level of need, and where it is “the only reasonable way to enable the person to safely access the relevant service.”
The report read: “This policy has been developed to provide a strategic approach to delivering transport that is consistent, transparent, and clearly outlines the framework through which the council provides transport services.”
It went on to say: “Funded transport will only be provided if, in the opinion of the council once consideration of all relevant factors has taken place, it is the only reasonable way to enable the person to safely access the relevant service.
“All appropriate means of transport available (for example personal vehicles, taxi funded via Mobility Allowance, vehicles obtained under the Motability Scheme, or public transport, including voluntary community transport schemes), will be considered and it will be presumed that the individual can and will use these as a first option, unless the individual assessment demonstrates otherwise.”
Officers speaking at the meeting said the decision was brought to cabinet members after a formal consultation process which took place in 2024, though it was noted that there were only eight responses with what were described as mixed views.
From these responses some concerns were raised in terms of the availability of public transport, particularly in some valleys areas, as well as a potential strain being put on family members who may be required to provide future transport.
However, the report said there would have to be a “reasonable expectation” for the individual to be able to access services through these methods of transport – with a travel training program also being introduced.
It was also noted by councillor Eugene Caparros that following recommendations from scrutiny, there will be a complaints and appeals process for those who are unhappy with decisions over their transport needs.
The policy was later approved unanimously by members in attendance and will now be implemented on May 1, 2025.
