Izzy Lepone 05 June 2025

Council told to apologise for mishandling of school transport

Council told to apologise for mishandling of school transport image
© kaskip / Shutterstock.com.

Derby City Council has been told to apologise to three families for mishandling their school transport applications.

An investigation by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman found the families met the council’s criteria for transport support, but were not provided with sufficient allowances to subsidise the costs of their children’s school journeys.

Due to the council’s errors, one of the mothers could not afford a taxi for her child and gave up work to drive them to school, whilst another family was underpaid in taxi costs by over £11,800 per year.

Another family had no option but to drop their child at school late and pick them up early, meaning their child with special educational needs missed essential provisions in their Education, Health and Care Plan.

Following the investigations, the Ombudsman told the council to apologise to the families and pay reparations to compensate them for the trouble, as well as repaying the mileage expenses and costs of missed school attendance.

The Ombudsman also urged all councils to avoid adopting a ‘one size fits all’ approach when processing families’ transport support applications.

Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, Ms Amerdeep Somal commented: ‘Councils must demonstrate they have considered the options offered to individual families, who are entitled to transport support, that actually provide a practical, safe and affordable solution to allow them to attend.’

Cllr Paul Hezelgrave, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills, said: ‘While the Council is unable to comment on individual cases, we accept the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman’s findings in these three cases and have taken swift action to implement all recommendations set out in the report.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Operational Services

South Derbyshire District Council
£73,051 to £75,342
Are you ready to shape the future of a thriving district? Swadlincote / Agile
Recuriter: South Derbyshire District Council

Wellbeing Officer (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 7, £27,259 - £29,955 pro-rata (pay award pending)
Do you have a positive approach to work and enjoy the challenge of a busy role? Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 - £27,269 - £30,060
Do you want to work in an ambitious Local Authority with strong leadership and partnership commitment to Children’s Services? Durham County Council a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Finance Officers

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £24,790 - £25,992 Pro Rata
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a temporary 18.5 hours Finance Officer position until 31st December 2025.  You will provide a high quality serv Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£34,314 - £37,938 / £39,513- £43,693 p.a. i.e. grade 9 pre progression/grade 11 post progression
We are looking for a fulltime permanent Social Worker to join our 14 - 25 Navigation Team.    WHAT IS INVOLVED? You will be an experienced social wo Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner