The Cabinet of Hertfordshire Council met on Wednesday 13 May 2026 to discuss changes to the post-16 transport policy and to consider referrals from the Avian Scrutiny Committee. The meeting decided to introduce Personal Travel Budgets (PTBs) as the standard offer for post-16 transport for the majority of 16 to 18-year-olds, while deferring a decision on the closure of Albury School.

Post-16 Transport Policy Changes Approved

The Cabinet approved significant changes to Hertfordshire County Council's Post-16 Transport to Education and Training Policy, introducing Personal Travel Budgets (PTBs) as the standard offer for the majority of 16 to 18-year-olds requiring travel support to access education or training from September 2026. This decision follows a consultation process and aims to increase cost efficiencies and promote independence.

The new policy will replace contracted transport with PTBs for most eligible young people, calculated at 55p per mile for four journeys per day, with an additional £450 annual top-up for those receiving higher-level Disability Living Allowance or PIP. Existing recipients of contracted transport will be able to continue with their current arrangements if their circumstances remain unchanged. New entrants to Year 12, or those changing address or provision in the 2026-27 academic year, will be offered a PTB.

Concerns raised during the consultation included the high level of individual need among young people, the potential detrimental impact on families, a perceived shift of responsibility from the council to parents, and a lack of suitable public transport alternatives in rural areas. The council stated that these concerns would be considered through a two-stage appeal process, with decisions made based on individual need and family circumstances. The policy will be reviewed after six months.

The financial implications of these changes are projected to result in net efficiencies of approximately £800,000 in the first year, rising to £2,500,000 in the second year, and £3,200,000 in the third year, based on an estimated 75% uptake of PTBs.

Albury School Closure Deferred

A decision on the proposal to close Albury School was withdrawn from the agenda. The Cabinet noted that while legal advice confirmed the item could be discussed, there were concerns about whether members of the public had adequate opportunity to attend and witness the meeting. The matter will be considered at a special Cabinet meeting the following week.

The Cabinet meeting also confirmed the minutes from the previous meeting held on 22 April 2026. There were no questions from members of the Council or public petitions presented.