I have been trying to dissect the council’s proposed budget for 23/24 to understand why they are cutting transport for the most vulnerable and disabled children and young people.
I have concluded the following from the figures:
- They intend to make an investment of £4.5m into the school transport service
They intend to make a saving of £982,000 within the school transport service
I cannot see how much they’re currently spending to enable me to calculate the true financial picture nor does the document allow us to understand HOW these savings are going to be made. Is this deliberate?
Are any of these figures accurate? Where is the explanation?
Currently we are petitioning for a reversal on proposed policy changes that seek to make it more difficult for children with special educational needs and disabilities to gain/continue with suitable home-to-school transport: https://www.change.org/Stopderbytransportcuts
You may have also seen our BBC coverage of this matter, here: https://youtu.be/OWz1JrLLQcI
We’re aware schools are being led to believe the policy will be ignored and those who have arrangements in place will keep them; but parents have not been given details of this, just reassurances by school. Of course, this wouldn’t stand up if challenged legally.
I have asked representatives from the council the following questions... So far I've received no answers but the Email has been forwarded on to a Director at the council.
- How much is the council currently spending on home-to-school transport for children with SEND?
- What specific plans do the relevant people have to cut the spending by £982k?
- Have chaperones been offered voluntary redundancy or retirement for September 2023 as has been reported to me?
I will keep you posted on the responses. I hope the council officials can bring about clarity. Until then please help us to keep the signatures increasing!