William Eichler 21 November 2024

Home-to-school transport costs hit £2.3bn

Home-to-school transport costs hit £2.3bn image
Image: Abdul_Shakoor / Shutterstock.com.

County council chiefs have called for a ‘system-wide approach’ to tackling escalating home-to-school transport costs.

Demand for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has risen by 140% since 2014.

The growth in demand for EHCPs – coupled with an increase in travel costs – has resulted in home-to-school transport costs increasing to £2.3bn in 2024, according to a new report from the County Councils Network (CCN).

The report, which was written in cooperation with IMPOWER, estimates costs will reach £3.6bn per year by 2030 for councils across England.

Simon Edwards, chief executive of the CCN, said: ‘This report shines a light on the scale of the challenge councils are facing. With costs and demands at record highs, local authorities face intense pressures that are worsening each year.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Linkedin Banner