school transport saga

[borderslass]

I started taking ds to school myself last week 120 miles a day.
DH got an e-mail off the council to say I need business use to take my own child to school, I've just been in touch with them and its because apparently I'm entering into a contract with them.
The other thing is does anyone know if I need to inform the tax credits as I'll be receiving a mileage allowance.

business use? i think they are wrong as you are not making a profit.
i used to take ds to nursery and didnt need business use or have to inform tax credits as its a reimbursement payment not an earned wage as such.

maybe the council have the wrong end fo the stick, and think you will be getting someone else to do the run?

eg a nanny needs to have business use insurance, as a third party engaged to drive your child (even if in your car not the nanny's car)

but I think glittery is right - it's reimbursement, not wages, in your case.

maybe check with your insurers? ours (NFU) are very helpful about answering questions like that

Apparently it is local council rules I can't be paid until they receive a copy of my insurance,they have quite a few parents who take their own children we considered it 2 years ago when DS nearly ended up in emergency foster care as the taxi company boss refused to allow driver and escort to collect the boys due to bad weather [other mother collected them]They definitely know its me taking him.
Their also still insisting they offered adequate transport, on the first day they left a girl on a country lane unaccompanied also they never turned upo for some children.

yeah i checked with the council at the time as i wasnt sure, i phoned the housing benefit office to tell them of the extra money but it was them who told me it was a reimbursement, the insurance thing too doesnt matter as its not for profit or "hire or reward" as the oinsurance companies call it.
if in any doubt ask phone your insurance company and tell them you are receiving a petrol allowance for driving your child to school and see what they say.

right, I'd talk to your insurer.

and get a letter confirming form them that business insurance is not necessary in this case.

if given a ltter confirming that your insurance is valid for this purpose, then surely that is enough?

i had to send in a copy of my insurance too but they were quite happy with the normal policy

sounds more like they are trying to be difficult and get you to accept their transport rather than pay you!

they've got no chance DS won't go with anyone but his old driver he told us, and theres no way I can make him plus I don't trust them.

yeah stick to your guns! after sending several emails to everyone in the transport department (and above!) and also getting the SW and Ed Psych to email too i persuaded them that ds NEEDED the same escort and driver regardless of cost!

Well got my insurance changed BUT insurance put on not covered for hire and reward and suprise suprise council wont except it, insurance wont change it as they said its classed as a taxi service and they don't cover that and it will cost me £170 to cancel. so that I could find a suitable insurance company.
Never rains but it pours.

Charge the Council any expense you incur in changing your insurance. They should accept this as it's still cheaper than them arranging their own transport.