CCN Analysis - SEN Home to School Transport

In this report, we present the findings of our analysis into the rising costs and pressures facing county councils in delivering home to school transport for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Based on a survey of County Councils Network members, the analysis shows that service is a vital lifeline for families, particularly in rural areas, but demand has grown rapidly due to factors largely outside local authorities’ control, particularly national SEND reforms. Our research shows that current funding arrangements are no longer keeping pace with need, creating significant and unsustainable pressures on council budgets.

Key findings:

• Our member councils spent £323.3 million on SEN home to school transport in 2017/18, a 30% (£74 million) increase since 2013/14

• Demand has risen sharply, with over 7,500 more SEN pupils being transported compared to four years earlier

• The vast majority of costs are driven by taxis, minibuses and private hire vehicles, reflecting the complexity of pupils’ needs

• Legislative changes, population growth, rurality and increased complexity of need are major cost drivers

• Funding has remained broadly static, forcing councils to overspend on SEN budgets and make cuts elsewhere

Our recommendations to government

• Provide additional, targeted funding through the Spending Review for SEND transport pressures beyond councils’ control

• Deliver a fairer funding settlement that better reflects county councils’ costs and demand

• Recognise SEN transport as a core, statutory service requiring long term funding stability

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