A council U-turn to protect free school transport for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) from proposed cuts was “the right thing” and is financially sustainable, city leaders say.
Newcastle City Council had looked set to end its universal home to school SEND travel provision for young people from the age of 16.
But an eleventh hour reversal saw the local authority’s Labour administration drop the plans, following a backlash from deeply concerned families who feared that the move would leave some vulnerable youngsters unable to continue their education. .
Prior to the surprise decision at a cabinet meeting last month, the council had been arguing that it could no longer afford to continue with the service, which cost £1.5 million in 2024/25 to support 213 pupils.
At a full council meeting this week, Lib Dem opposition leader Colin Ferguson asked Labour chiefs what information had led to the change of heart, given that a public consultation on the proposals had already shown heavy opposition.
Coun Fergsuon had previously accused the council of having left families “subjected to concern and worry for two years as Labour have dithered and dragged their feet”, with the SEND travel cuts having also been put on hold 12 months earlier.
Lesley Storey, Labour’s cabinet member for children and families, replied that there was no new information that came to light and that politicians had been “unanimous” in their decision to drop the cuts.
Coun Storey, who read out an email from a family thanking the council for doing “the right thing”, added: “Cabinet recognises the pressures that face the council, driven by increased demand and rising costs particularly associated with SEND transport. We remain committed to supporting vulnerable learners, and initiatives like independent travel training and personal transport budgets have been proven to have good outcomes and to use resources efficiently.
“And these should be expanded, but not at the expense of existing entitlements. Our approach will protect access and equity, whilst promoting independence, reducing carbon impact, and ensuring financial sustainability.”
A council officer report to last month’s cabinet meeting had said that post-16 SEND travel offer was “not financially viable” and that SEND transport accounted for 10% of an estimated £30 million of budget pressures at the Civic Centre.
While councils are required by law to offer free home to school transport to all eligible children and young people with SEND who are aged five to 16, there is no such legal duty after the end of the academic year in which a young person reaches 16.
