Leeds City Council launches consultation on SEND transport support – NewStartMag

Consultation is now underway on proposed changes to the way Leeds provides transport support for post-16 pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

As local MPs and political party leaders battle for the people’s vote, however, Leeds citizens have been asked to share their views on a new transport upgrade which will affect SEND people.

It will run until the 23rd^st In July 2024, a public consultation was launched outlining plans Leeds City Council is considering to amend existing discretionary transport support for post-16 learners with SEND. Councilors argued it would help promote independence through travel.

Last week, senior councilors approved the plans at an executive board meeting.

Currently, the local authority is required by law to make free home-to-school travel arrangements for eligible children of compulsory age, there is no similar statutory obligation on the authority to provide transport for post-16 pupils.

Officials noted that the changes would significantly help address the financial challenges facing the council. They currently pay between £4m and £4.5m each year for transport support, with the number of learners receiving support doubling since 2015.

“We are encouraging as many people as possible to look at these proposals and give us their views by taking part in the consultation. It will be vital in shaping the decisions made in this area, so we want to hear what people think,” said Cllr Helen Hayden, executive member for children and families.

“We remain strongly committed to supporting everyone in Leeds with special educational needs and disabilities as much as possible, but the level of support we currently provide is not sustainable given the current financial challenges facing the council and the increasing level of demand .”

Cllr Hayden added: “We will encourage young people, their families and partners across the city to take part in the consultation to reach a carefully considered decision on how to proceed.”

Although the policy appears negative on the surface, the council has assured that replacement options will be put in place if it is adopted.

These include:

• Taking into account travel distances to educational settings
• Helping students make their own transport arrangements through a transport allowance
• Asking for a contribution to transport costs
• Limiting support to post-16 only with support for post-19 learners ending

Feedback from the consultation will be presented to the executive committee in October 2024, with a decision on implementation expected in September 2025.

Image: CHUTTERSNAP

More on this topic:

Transport for London has launched new cycle lanes in the capital

Major transport organizations have announced a ‘landmark’ Manchester regeneration plan