Leeds City Council is proposing changes to its SEND post-16 transport policy, including eligibility based on travel distances, personal travel allowances, contributions towards costs, and discontinuing support for learners over 19 years old, in an effort to balance independence and budget constraints. Residents are encouraged to participate in the public consultation online before July 23 to shape decisions that will impact SEND learners in Leeds.
What are the proposed changes to Leeds City Council’s SEND post-16 transport policy?
Leeds City Council proposes changes to SEND post-16 transport policy including:
- Reevaluating transport eligibility based on travel distances
- Introducing a personal travel allowance
- Requesting contributions towards transport costs
- Discontinuing support for learners over 19 years old
These aim to promote independence while managing the council’s budget.
Overview of SEND Transport Assistance
Leeds City Council is inviting public opinion on prospective amendments to transport support for post-16 learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This consultation follows the council’s exploration of options designed to encourage independence among SEND students while navigating financial constraints. The scope of the current assistance encompasses discretionary transport aid, amounting to annual costs between £4 million and £4.5 million. Notably, the number of beneficiaries has surged twofold since 2015, prompting a reevaluation of the sustainability of this support.
The proposed changes include:
– Reassessing the eligibility based on travel distances
– Introducing a personal travel allowance
– Requesting contributions towards transport costs
– Ceasing support for learners over 19 years old
These adjustments aim to strike a balance between fostering autonomy in young people and managing the council’s budget effectively.
Public Involvement and Consultation Details
The engagement of the community is pivotal in reshaping the transport support framework for SEND learners. The council’s approach is to gather a broad spectrum of perspectives, ensuring the proposed policy adjustments reflect collective insights. The public consultation is accessible online, with submissions accepted until 23 July. Residents of Leeds are encouraged to participate by visiting the Leeds City Council policy review page.
Councillor Helen Hayden, executive member for children and families, underscores the importance of this participatory process:
“We encourage as many people as possible to look at these proposals and give us their views by taking part in the consultation. It will be vital in shaping the decisions made in this area so we want to hear what people think.”
This iterative dialogue aims to ensure that decisions are informed by the lived experiences and needs of the community, particularly those directly affected by the policy changes.
Financial Considerations and Proposed Implementation
In light of the doubling demand for transport assistance and existing financial pressures, Leeds City Council is prompted to rethink the allocation of resources. The present system of discretionary support for SEND post-16 learners is proving to be financially unviable. Therefore, the proposal suggests introducing phased changes that would take effect for new applicants or changing circumstances from the 2025/26 academic year.
The feedback from the consultation will be compiled and presented to the executive board in October 2024, with the anticipation of decisions being enacted from September 2025. The council emphasizes the need for a deliberate and inclusive process, considering the implications for SEND learners, their families, and educational institutions across Leeds. Councillor Hayden emphasized:
“We remain firmly committed to supporting all those in Leeds with special educational needs and disabilities as much as possible, but the level of transport support we currently offer is not sustainable given the current financial challenges the council faces and the increasing level of demand.”
It is clear that while the council’s dedication to SEND support remains unwavering, the method in which this support is delivered must evolve to ensure long-term practicability and fairness.
In summary, the Leeds City Council’s approach towards reviewing and potentially revitalizing the transport policy for SEND post-16 learners is a collaborative effort. It integrates fiscal responsibility with a continued commitment to aiding those with additional needs. With the public’s contribution through consultation, the council aims to forge a path that upholds the values of independence and inclusion for SEND students, while navigating the realities of budgetary constraints.
For any media enquiries related to this matter, please reach out to the Leeds City Council communications and marketing team at communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk or by phone at 0113 378 6007.
- Leeds City Council is proposing changes to its SEND post-16 transport policy, including eligibility based on travel distances, personal travel allowances, contributions towards costs, and discontinuing support for learners over 19 years old.
- The proposed changes aim to balance independence for SEND learners with budget constraints faced by the council.
- The public consultation on the proposed changes is open until July 23, encouraging residents to participate and shape decisions affecting SEND learners in Leeds.
- The current cost of discretionary transport aid for SEND learners amounts to £4 million to £4.5 million annually, prompting a reevaluation of sustainability and necessary adjustments.
- Leeds City Council plans to implement phased changes from the 2025/26 academic year based on feedback gathered from the consultation, aiming for decisions to be enacted by September 2025.