Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of mechanisms provided by local authorities for families to submit evidence of financial hardship when (a) applying for and (b) appealing decisions relating to post-16 home-to-school transport for young people with Education, Health and Care Plans.

It is for local authorities to determine the transport and travel support necessary to enable young people, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), to participate in education or training. Local authorities must publish an annual post-16 policy statement setting out these arrangements.

The department recognises that transport costs can be a significant concern for families and local authorities should clearly explain the support they provide, how decisions are made and the routes for applications, complaints and appeals.

Through the government’s SEND reforms, the department’s target is for more children and young people to have their needs met through high-quality, inclusive provision closer to home. Improving the availability and consistency of local provision should enable more young people with SEND to access suitable education locally, thereby reducing the need for some to travel longer distances and incurring additional costs.