Decision details

To recommend charges for the 2206-27 Academic Year for the following: -
•Post 16 Home to School Transport; and
•Paid permits offered to non-eligible pupils where there is spare capacity in home to school transport

The Corporate Director has determined the cost of the contribution rate for the academic year 2026-27 to be £846

The council continue to offer 50% discount in respect of the contribution charges for Post 16 travel and paid permits utilising the criteria set out at Appendix B; and

The Terms and Conditions for the Paid Permits are not amended.

The Council’s arrangements for home to school travel enable it to fulfil its statutory responsibilities. Through continued discretionary provision, including the provision of Post 16 travel and paid permits, the council assists in providing young people with access to education.

The council’s expenditure in respect of home to school travel has increased significantly during recent financial years and it is estimated that the expenditure during the financial year 2025-26 will have amounted to £52.52 million. Revenue arising from the sale of paid travel permits is utilised as a contribution towards the costs incurred by the Council in the provision of home to school travel and, in accordance with the Fees and Charges Policy it is recommended that the contribution rate is increased by 3.4% to £846.

The Terms and Conditions associated with the use of the paid permits, and specifically the provision that enables the withdrawal of a permit, assist the council in maximising the efficiency with which transport is provided when either: -

• In year school admissions result in additional pupils becoming eligible for assistance with home to school travel; or
In-house reviews of transport arrangements identify opportunities for savings to be achieved through the commissioning of smaller vehicles

NOTE: Updated Appendix B