Proposed transport cuts could hit disabled pupils

Young people with disabilities could be encouraged to use public buses under council plans to save money.

Durham County Council is considering five changes to transport for students aged 16 and over as it tries to tackle costs, which have risen sharply over the last five years.

An assessment made by the Reform UK-led authority said proposals could have a "potential disproportionate negative impact" on disabled young people, with more than 500 registered for post-16 home to school transport in the last year.

The council's cabinet will be asked on Wednesday to approve a public consultation on the proposals.

Member for children and young people's services Cathy Hunt said the council provides "more extensive" free and subsidised transport for post-16 students than other local authorities.

"Our aim is to sustain a fair and inclusive offer that reflects individual needs and helps young people build independence where it is safe and suitable," she said.

"Rising costs mean we need to consider how we provide that support, but no final decisions have been made."

The biggest saving would come from changing the type of transport offered to students.

Under the proposals, a public bus ticket would be offered first, followed by a personal travel budget.

Shared council-organised transport would be considered where these options were not suitable.

The council estimates the change could save £1.3m.

Parents and carers could also be expected, where reasonable, to accompany students aged under 18 on journeys of less than three miles (4.8km), according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Travel assistance for work placements could also be scrapped, with some exceptions, documents showed.

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