16
Accepted
When we asked how hard it was for parents to navigate the legislation, Contact told...
Conclusion
When we asked how hard it was for parents to navigate the legislation, Contact told us that it was a regular top topic on its helpline and that parents did not really know their rights. It explained that the system was particularly unclear post-16 and that it changed by local authority in real-time. The LGA agreed that the system was complex and particularly difficult for parents. It said it was also difficult for local authority staff, 32 Qq 29, 76; C&AG’s Report, par 1.13 33 Qq 4-5 34 C&AG’s Report, para 3.11, figure 1 35 Qq 4-7, 9 36 Natspec (HTS0007) 37 Q 76 12 citing an example authority that transports 10,000 passengers per day through 1,200 contracts and over 200 providers.38 This sentiment was echoed in written evidence, including from the Challenging Behaviour Foundation, the Association of Colleges and the Transport Studies Unit at the University of Oxford.39 When we asked the Department about navigability of the system, it told us that it was for local authorities to assess eligibility and ensure their published travel policies were clear. It said it did not see many complaints about the clarity of the offer but acknowledged that the discretionary offer may be less clear.40 The Department’s understanding of cost and demand drivers
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the conclusion, recognizing the importance of parental understanding. It is working through SEND reforms to improve information for parents and young people and supporting local authorities to strengthen independent travel training for more consistent delivery.
Government Response
Accepted
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: end of 2026 calendar year There is limited robust evidence on how transport affects post-16 attendance or the number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET). The new home-to-school transport data collection, alongside wider work on the drivers of NEET, should strengthen understanding. Existing local authority duties and the bursary system should ensure young people are not prevented from participating in education due to transport needs. The department recognises that parental understanding of post-16 transport may affect attendance. Work is underway through the SEND reforms to improve information for parents and young people. Additionally, we are supporting local authorities to strengthen independent travel training and ensure more consistent delivery.
Source
Committee
Public Accounts Committee
Inquiry
Home-to-school transport
Report
70th Report - Home-to-school transport
06 Mar 2026
HC 1238
Addressee Bodies
HM Treasury
Timeline
Recommendation age
0.4 yrs
Report published
06 Mar 2026