Decision Maker:

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: January 27, 2026

Purpose:

Content: Salford City Council - Record of Decision   I Paul Dennett, City Mayor, in exercise of the powers contained within the City Council Constitution do hereby approve: the consultation on a review of the Post 16 transport policy. The Reasons are: The proposals within this consultation will be to provide, where appropriate, a Personal Transport Budget rather than Local Authority organised transport, to support young people to attend their education provision. The provision of personal budgets will promote independent travel for young people which is a key pillar of our Preparation for Adult Life aspirations for the children and young people in the city. Options considered and rejected were: To not proceed with a consultation. This was rejected as it is appropriate to consult with stakeholders to gain views on proposals. Assessment of Risk:  Medium – there is a reputational risk to the council as families and young people may feel that the removal of council arranged transport will introduce barriers to them attending their education setting. The source of funding is: The Revenue budget. Legal Advice obtained: Louise Curtis, Senior Solicitor The consultation aligns with current government guidance and legislation. Financial Advice obtained: Natalie Mannion – Finance Manager The consultation proposal aims to replace council-organised transport for post-16 learners with Personal Travel Budgets (PTBs), calculated primarily on mileage . ·         Current post-16 SEND transport cost: £1.68m annually. ·         Forecast savings assume 30% of the cohort remains on commissioned transport, while 70% moves to Personal Transport Budgets (PTBs).   Estimated savings: ·         Year 12 only in Year 1: £0.086m in year one (25 weeks), rising to £0.534m by year four. ·         Full rollout in Year 1 (Years 12–14 and post-19):  £0.351m in year one (25 weeks) and £0.534m recurring annually after full implementation. ·         Year one will a part year saving in line with the academic year starting in September 2026. Implementation Costs ·         Administrative and system changes for PTB processing. ·         Staff training and potential increase in casework for individual assessments and complaints ·         Consultation costs and stakeholder engagement activities. Budget Pressure Context ·         SEND transport overspend in 2024/25 was £2.29m, highlighting the urgency of reform. ·         Home-to-school transport spend has increased by 118% over five years, now representing 8.5% of Children’s Services total spend. Procurement Advice obtained: Not applicable HR Advice obtained: Not Applicable Climate Change Advice obtained: The provision of a Personal transport budget could lead to additional vehicles on road making individual journeys.   The following documents have been used to assist the decision process: Post 16 Transport policy Post 16 Transport Policy 2023 Contact Officers:  Cathy Starbuck, Director Education and Inclusion.   ·         This decision is subject to consideration for briefing purposes by the Lead Member for Children and Young People. The Lead Member is supportive of the decision. ·         The appropriate scrutiny to call-in the decision is Children’s Scrutiny Panel.         Signed:      Paul Dennett                                               Dated:  27.01.26  .                         City Mayor   For Democratic Services use only   This decision was published on  27.01.26.                                           This decision will come in force at 4.00 p.m. on 03.02.26 unless it is called-in in accordance with the Decision Making Process Rules.