Special needs transport to remain free under plan

The recommendation will now go before cabinet on 3 September

Older students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Wolverhampton will not be charged for using council transport under plans by the authority.

A public consultation on introducing a fee for post-16 SEND students was launched in May this year, after plans to begin charging were halted in 2020 due to the pandemic.

After "carefully considering" the consultation results, the Wolverhampton City Council's cabinet has been recommended not to introduce any charge.

If approved, the authority said the decision would mean it was one of just a handful in the country that continues to provide free travel for post-16 SEND learners.

Any proposed charges would apply to students moving into post-16 SEND education from September and those already in post-16 SEND education.

Council leader, Stephen Simkins, said: "We've listened to our residents, and thanks to strong financial management, we are now in a position to pull back from this proposed saving and bring forward a recommendation to cabinet that eligible post-16 learners will not be charged for transport.

"This proposal directly supports one of our key priorities protecting our most vulnerable residents and ensuring fair access to education and opportunity for all.

"We remain firmly committed to independent travel training, empowering learners with the skills and confidence to travel safely and independently."

The recommendation will now go before cabinet on 3 September.

In line with legislation there are no transport charge for pupils aged 5 to 16, or for adult learners in 19 to 25 education, the council said.