Jan 7, 2025, Swindon Advertiser: Swindon Council plans to axe SEND school transport for some
S. England
Swindon Borough Council is seeking public opinion on plans to axe school transport funding for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Currently, the council spends around £3.4 million [$4.2M] annually on transport for approximately 900 SEND young people.
However, the council is not required to provide transport for those aged 16 to 18 and receives no government funding for this.
Currently, 161 students over the age of 16 benefit from the free service, costing the council £726,000 [$886K].
With an anticipated £18.9 million [$23M] budget gap for the next financial year, the council is reviewing all non-statutory services to identify potential savings.
The consultation, which began this month and will run until March 30, invites children, young people, families, professionals, and community members to share their views on the council's proposal to charge those aged 16 to 18 for transport.
This would replace the current free service. . . .
The proposed changes are part of a broader effort to make the overall service more sustainable.
Councillor Adorabelle Amaral-Shaikh, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for education, said: "It is incredibly important that everyone who is affected by these proposals has the opportunity to share their views.
"Parents and carers will receive a letter asking them to take part in the consultation and we have also been engaging with interested groups such as Swindon SEND Families Voice. . . .
This is crucial in ensuring that the service remains sustainable and continues to meet the needs of the community.

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