Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet is set to decide whether to implement changes to home to school transport. The proposed policy aims to bring the Council in line with revised guidance from the Department for Education, and to target funding at those who most need assistance. Following a consultation that took place between March and May 2024, a recommendation has been made to Cabinet regarding proposals which aim to align transport policy with that of neighbouring local authorities. The policy is intended to encourage active travel and greater independence amongst pupils.
If Cabinet approves the proposals, they will not come into effect until September 2025. Consequently, there will be no changes in travel arrangements for the forthcoming academic year. Pupils who currently receive transport assistance will not be affected by the proposed changes, while all pupils who meet the statutory criteria will be entitled to assistance in the future. Currently, 40% of passholders come from low-income families, who would remain unaffected by the proposals.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) pupils requiring transport assistance would continue to receive individual assessments. Those affected by the proposed policy would themselves be assessed individually, with any extraordinary circumstances taken into account.
The Council has suggested a number of policy updates to align with existing national guidance. These include removing discretionary free transport for pupils choosing a non-local school, whilst maintaining parents’ rights to suggest in-year school preferences. The minimum qualifying distance for free travel would be extended from two to three miles for pupils over eight years old. Finally, travel support for pupils in years 6, 10 and 11 who move house beyond walking distance would no longer be provided.
For post-16 pupils, the cost of transport is, on average, £5,843 per student. The proposed policy would require pupils eligible for transport assistance to contribute £680 per year, with a reduction of 50% for free school meal recipients. The Council would provide advice on obtaining bursary funding through its Independent Travel Training Programme, and would work with colleges to enhance support for public transport users.
Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Councillor Lila Bennett, said that the proposed policy aimed to align transport support with Department for Education guidance and to promote the use of alternative modes of transport such as cycling and walking. She added that the policy was “fair” towards low-income pupils, and current passes would be honoured until pupils’ attendance at the institution ceased
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