Rutland County Council to Simplify Transport Policies

Rutland County Council to Simplify Transport Policies

Rutland County Council is taking steps to streamline its travel assistance policies, aiming to simplify the process for families and ensure efficient resource allocation.

Currently, the council operates three separate policies: one for travel to school, another for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and a third for post-16 transport. Additionally, a fourth policy covers travel for young people aged 19-25 with SEND.

A recent review highlighted the complexity of this system, which can be confusing for parents and carers. To address this, the council proposes combining these policies into a single, unified policy.

The cost of providing travel assistance has risen significantly over the past six years, with a 109% increase in overall costs and a staggering 269% increase for SEND transport.

The council conducted a thorough review of its existing policies to identify areas for improvement and simplification.

A public consultation is planned for January and February 2025 to gather feedback from parents, carers, schools, colleges, and other stakeholders.

The council emphasises that the goal of this policy review is not to reduce the level of support provided but to ensure that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively. By simplifying the policies and aligning them with current Department for Education guidelines, the council aims to provide clarity and consistency for families while managing increasing costs.