Stockton-on-Tees Council has pledged to improve its education transport policy for young adults after being taken to task in an Ombudsman investigation.
The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman found that a mother had to take her young adult son to and from college for three academic years because the council failed in its duty to arrange free transport.
The son, who has an education, health and care plan, was travelling to college in shared transport, paid for by the local authority.
But when the mother told the council it was no longer suitable because of his anxiety, the council failed to properly consider the mother’s concerns or make other suitable arrangements.
The Ombudsman criticised the long delays by the council in addressing the mother’s concerns.
The investigation also found the appeals process did not follow statutory guidance and criticised poor record keeping.
The council agreed to apologise to the mother and pay her £3,432.50 to reimburse her fuel costs and for the distress, uncertainty and time and trouble caused.
Ombudsman Paul Najsarek said: 'The council’s responses to my enquiries, and its current transport policy leaves me concerned that there are systematic issues in Stockton that may be affecting other young adult learners who have education, health and care plans.
'I am also particularly concerned that the council is not signposting parents to my office if they are unhappy with the outcome of any complaint about its appeals process.
'I am therefore pleased the council has accepted my recommendations to improve its processes and policies to ensure other young adults – and their families – are treated fairly and in line with statutory guidance.'
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