Content

 

14.1

The Head of Service for Resourcing
and Business Planning introduced the report which provided
an update following the consultation on a proposal to increase the
parental contribution for Post-16 SEND Home to School transport
(minibuses and taxis) held between July and September
2025.
 
A presentation was also shown
which included information on vision for home to school travel,
home to school travel options, key transformation workstreams, post
16 consultation, current post 16 fee income policy, post 16
proposal overview, proposal details, key themes of consultation and
response to consultation and support options for
families. 

 

 

14.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Education,
Children and Families Policy Committee:-

(a) 
Agrees to increase the Post-16 SEN home to school travel and
transport parental contribution from £540 to £1,000 per
year from April 2026;
(b) 
Agrees that on an annual basis an inflationary increase will be
added to the parental contribution level, starting from September
2027;
(c) 
Agrees to increase the net household income threshold from
£21,000 to £25,000 per year;
and
(d) 
Agrees that on an annual basis an inflationary increase will be
added to the net household income level threshold, starting from
September 2027.

 

 

14.3

Reasons
for Decision

 

 

14.3.1

The decision to
increase the Post-16 SEN home to school travel and transport
parental contribution from £540 to £1,000 per year is
based on the need to ensure the long-term financial sustainability
of the service in the context of rising demand, significant budget
pressures, and increasing transport costs. While the consultation
highlighted strong concerns from families, the Council will
continue to fund the vast majority of
the transport cost and will fully protect low-income households
through bursaries and waivers. The increase forms part of a wider
programme to expand independent travel options, improve choice, and
maintain a fair, equitable, and sustainable travel support offer
for those who need it most.

 

 

14.4

Alternatives Considered and
Rejected

 

 

14.4.1

Alternative
Option 1: Do Nothing. Maintain the status quo and continue with
existing parental contribution of £540 per
year.
Advantages: It is
more affordable for families and takes into
account the consultation
feedback.
Disadvantages:
Maintaining the current level of parental contribution is
increasingly challenging due to rising costs, which are placing
growing pressure on the Council’s budget. Continuing with the
status quo is not financially sustainable in the long
term.

 

 

14.4.2

Alternative
Option 2: Cease all provision of transport for post-16 SEN
students, as this is not a statutory
provision
Advantages:
Reduction in expenditure of approximately
£4m.
Disadvantages:
Likely to provide barriers to young people accessing post-16
education. Potential safety
concerns.