Cut to college transport unforgivable - councillor

Proposed cuts to funding for post-16 transport for pupils would be "unforgivable" and risk discouraging teens from continuing in education, a councillor has warned.

Norfolk County Council has been consulting on changing its subsidisation of transport for students travelling to and from sixth form or college.

Wendy Atkinson, the cabinet member for children on the Reform UK-led council, said the current bill of £8m was "unsustainable" and that cuts to the discretionary service needed to be made.

Maxine Webb, the leader of the Green group on the authority, said: "Anything that makes it harder for young people to get on in life and have choices is just unforgivable in my opinion."

The council's changes mean parents could contribute up to nearly £400 more to their child's transport costs, which are currently set at £660.

Robert Colwell, a Liberal Democrat councillor, said the proposals "ignore the reality of living in rural Norfolk".

The council currently spends £8m a year on transport support for post-16 pupils in education.

It has proposed cutting the amount of support it offers to save £369,000 over two years and £277,000 annually after that.

The changes would mean next year, parents will have to pay an annual contribution of £855 towards the costs, which would rise to £1,050 for the 2028-29 academic year.

Eligible low-income households would only pay a smaller increase, the authority added.

Atkinson said the changes were needed to address a £35.9m gap in the authority's budget, adding: "Spending £8m a year in this area just isn't sustainable, so we are consulting on proposals which will bring us more in-line with other councils."

A consultation is currently open for people to share their views on the plans.

Many students rely on subsidised bus and rail travel to access education or apprenticeships across Norfolk.

The council's proposals come at a time when the number of people aged 16 to 24 not in employment, education or training (Neets) has risen nationally.

A report from the research group Bennett School of Public Policy said that a skills gap in the region risked stalling economic growth.

Kash Sunghuttee, from the charity Right to Succeed in Great Yarmouth, said the proposed increase in post-16 transport costs could create "additional barriers for young people accessing education and training, particularly in rural and coastal communities where public transport is often the only realistic option".

Lillian Rackham, the president of City College Norwich's students' union, said the cost of travelling to college was a "real concern".

Norfolk County Council has faced opposition to the proposed changes.

Webb, who represents Town Close on the authority, said: "This will make it harder, if not impossible for many, with families already massively struggling with the soaring cost of living and energy costs and food bills shooting up.

"Councillors are happy to have their travel expenses paid but then are happy to expect parents and pupils to pay more."

Kay Mason Billig, the Conservative group leader on the authority, said: "We should be encouraging our young people to achieve higher qualifications, develop their skills and secure good, well-paid jobs, not putting additional obstacles in their way."

Liberal Democrat Colwell added: "Reform talks about standing up for rural communities, but this policy would do exactly the opposite.

"It would punish young people for where they live and make it harder for them to access the education and skills they need to succeed."

A spokesperson for the Department for Education said it expected local authorities to consider the needs of all learners when making decisions about post-16 transport support.

Norfolk County Council said a decision on the proposals will be made early next year.

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