No new charges despite £43m school transport costs

The home to school transport budget in Oxfordshire has been described as "colossal"

A school transport charge for children aged 16 and over in Oxfordshire will not be introduced, despite rising costs.

The county's home to school transport budget is expected to rise to £43m next year, from just over £26m in 2022/2023.

A potential charge for older students was consulted on by Oxfordshire County Council.

But the authority said it had "listened" to people - with 60% of those responding against the idea - and decided not to introduce the new policy.

Costs for the service, where some pupils are entitled to free school travel, have risen sharply in recent years.

About £33m of the predicted £43m will be on school travel for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), who can be entitled to free transport to the nearest school that meets their needs.

The council's website says some children with Education Health and Care Plans need specialist transport to get to school, while others need options like taxis.

A report said the cost increase reflected the "growth in passenger numbers".

Sean Gaul, the cabinet member for children and young people, said the cost of the service was higher than Cherwell District council's entire budget.

He said: "It is absolutely colossal the cost of running this service, and the need to be absolutely all over the detail is crucial."

The authority asked people during a consultation if contribution charges should be introduced for young people in post 16 education using council travel.

Officers recommended charges were not introduced in "recognition of the potential impact", which was confirmed by a cabinet decision on Tuesday.

Mr Gaul said the decision was in response to feedback.

"Often this party is accused of not listening - 60% of respondents did not agree to introduce charges, we've listened," he added.