Changes to councils’ transport policies are having an increasing
effect on children trying to get to school, according to a report
released by the Local Government Ombudsman (LGO).
The Ombudsman is upholding more complaints from parents and
carers who need to find alternative ways to get their children to
school when councils change their policies, or the way they apply
them.
In 2015/16 the LGO received 261 complaints and enquiries about
school transport compared with just 160 in the previous
year.
In one case, a teenager with autism was affected when the council
changed the way it applied its transport policy, and stopped
providing him with a taxi to school.
His family were told he should get to school using a route which
involved walking for a mile down an often unlit area with no
footpath, catching a train and then getting a bus. This,
despite the fact the boy’s conditions means he has a
significantly reduced awareness of danger and a problem with loud
noises.
In another case, a mum appealed against the council’s decision to
refuse free school transport for her youngest daughter to travel
to the school her sisters attended. Despite providing the appeal
panel with information about the family’s personal and financial
circumstances, the panel decided not to provide free transport.
However, the Ombudsman found no evidence the panel had even
looked at whether there were any exceptional circumstances so
they could consider exercising discretion in this case.
Local Government Ombudsman, Michael King, said:
“When looking at school transport awards, councils must
ensure decisions are made fairly, legally and transparently.
Failing to do this can cause confusion, financial hardship and
have a significant impact on some of the most vulnerable
families, particularly those who have children with special
educational needs.
“While I appreciate the financial strain councils are under,
parents and carers can only have trust in their council’s
decision making if they are kept properly informed throughout the
process, and told clearly the reasons for any decisions
made.”
Issued today, the report offers advice and guidance both for
parents and councils on the school transport decision making
process. It also offers advice on ways local councillors
can scrutinise their own processes to ensure their policies are
open and accountable.
