Harrow Council is asking families for their views on proposed changes to travel support for children and young people, including a new annual charge for some post-16 transport.
The consultation looks at how help is provided to children travelling to school, college or training, particularly those with additional needs or an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
One of the biggest changes being considered is a charge for some young people over 16 who use council-arranged shared transport or taxis.
Under the proposals, families could be asked to pay £800 a year. This would be reduced to £400 for eligible low-income households, young people in care and care leavers.
How could the rules change?
Having an EHCP or attending a special school would not automatically guarantee travel assistance.
Instead, applications would continue to be looked at individually, with the council considering a young person’s needs and whether they could travel independently.
There would also be a greater focus on Independent Travel Training and using public transport where this is considered suitable. Other support could still include taxis, shared vehicles, passenger assistants, mileage payments and Personal Travel Budgets.
Travel assistance would normally be agreed for one academic year, meaning eligibility could be reviewed and families may be asked to provide updated information.
Families asked to have their say
The proposed charges would not apply where support is provided through Independent Travel Training, mileage reimbursement or a Personal Travel Budget.
Transport for disabled children and young people has been a concern nationally for some time.
In July this year, Charity Contact, which supports families with disabled children, said: “School and college transport is a major concern for families with disabled children.”
The charity was commenting on the issue nationally and was not referring specifically to Harrow.
The council has not yet made a final decision. Residents can respond through the MyHarrow Talk consultation. The council says all responses will be reviewed before the final policies are agreed, the consultation closes on Thursday, September 18.
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