Rising Costs of SEND School Transport Prompt Calls for Reform in England

Local authorities in England are advocating for means testing for school transport for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) due to escalating costs and rising demand. The County Councils Network (CCN) has projected that without significant reforms, the annual expenditure on home-to-school transport for SEND could soar to £3.4 billion by 2030-31, up from £2 billion in the previous year. This increase is attributed to an anticipated rise in the number of transported pupils, which could exceed 311,000 by the end of the decade.

SEND transport bill could hit £3.4bn by 2030, councils warnThe Guardian

Bill Revans, the CCN’s SEND spokesperson, emphasized that the costs associated with school transport have become one of the most significant pressures on council budgets. He stated, “The numbers are becoming overwhelming for many councils’ budgets.” The CCN's analysis indicates that local authorities could be responsible for transporting over 100,000 additional pupils within six years, which they describe as “a city’s worth of young people.”

SEND transport bill could hit £3.4bn by 2030, councils warn

The CCN is urging the government to implement a national means-testing policy, suggesting that families above a certain income threshold should contribute financially to transport costs. They also recommend revising the statutory walking distance eligibility criteria and conducting annual reviews of transport arrangements. However, campaigners have expressed concerns that means testing could hinder access to education for disabled children. Anna Bird, chair of the Disabled Children’s Partnership, remarked, “Transporting disabled children to school is far more complicated than for their non-disabled peers.”

The GuardianSEND transport bill could hit £3.4bn by 2030, councils warn

Critics argue that the rising costs of SEND transport are not merely a result of increased demand from families but stem from years of under-investment and poor decision-making by local authorities. Madeleine Cassidy, chief executive of IPSEA, stated, “Long journeys and rising transport costs are not the result of excessive ‘demand’ from parents.” She emphasized that these financial pressures should not justify reducing children’s rights or entitlements.

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In response to these challenges, a spokesperson from the Department for Education indicated that forthcoming SEND reforms aim to transform educational opportunities for children with additional needs. The government plans to release a schools white paper outlining strategies to create a more inclusive education system and restore financial sustainability. Additionally, the government has committed to writing off 90% of SEND deficits accrued by councils, although this does not address transport costs directly.

SEND transport bill could hit £3.4bn by 2030, councils warn

The situation surrounding SEND school transport in England reflects a broader systemic issue regarding the support available for children with special educational needs. As local authorities grapple with budget constraints and increasing demand, the proposed reforms will be critical in determining how effectively these challenges are addressed. The upcoming schools white paper is anticipated to provide further clarity on the government's approach to these pressing issues.

SEND transport bill could hit £3.4bn by 2030, councils warn

• “The numbers are becoming overwhelming for many councils’ budgets.” — Bill Revans, CCN’s SEND Spokesperson

The Guardian

• “Transporting disabled children to school is far more complicated than for their non-disabled peers.” — Anna Bird, Chair of the Disabled Children’s Partnership

The Guardian

• “Long journeys and rising transport costs are not the result of excessive ‘demand’ from parents, but of years of under-investment and unlawful decision-making that force children into settings far from home. These pressures must never be used to justify reducing children’s rights or entitlements.” — Madeleine Cassidy, Chief Executive of IPSEA

The Guardian