Issue details

Post-16 Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Transport – Approval on statutory consultation

 

 

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council currently provides discretionary post-16 SEND transport to approximately 185 learners, including 29 learners aged 19+. This provision is not a statutory requirement.

 

Demand and associated costs for community transport services continue to rise, with overall expenditure projected to exceed £11 million by 2028/29. Post-16 transport costs are increasing year-on-year and represent a significant and growing area of discretionary spend.

 

The Council is therefore considering potential changes to its Post-16 SEND Transport Policy to ensure that provision remains sustainable, fair and aligned with statutory duties. A range of options are being considered, including changes to eligibility, the introduction of or amendments to charging arrangements, and the role of discretionary support.

 

Department for Education guidance (January 2024) requires local authorities to undertake a formal consultation, typically over a minimum period of 28 working days during term time, where changes to transport policy are proposed.

 

Under the Education Act 1996, the Council must publish an annual Post-16 Transport Policy Statement by 31 May each year, having regard to the needs of learners with SEND. Therefore, any decision to enter a consultation period would be reflected within this statement.

 

The decision at this stage relates solely to approval to commence statutory consultation. Any proposed changes to policy will be subject to a further report to Cabinet following the consultation period.

Decision type: Key

Reason Key: Expenditure > £500,000;

Decision status: For Determination

Notice of proposed decision first published: 25/03/2026

Decision Type: Executive (Cabinet);

Decision due: 23 Apr 2026 by Cabinet

Lead member: Cabinet Member for Resources and Transport

Lead director: Director of Community Services, Environment and Culture

Consultation process

A statutory consultation will be undertaken for a minimum of 28 working days during term time. Consultation will include an online survey, targeted engagement with stakeholders, listening events, and collaboration with representative groups including the Stockton Parent Carer Forum. Consultation materials will be designed to be clear and accessible.

Consultees

Stockton Parent Carer Forum (SPCF) met with SBC officers on 16 February 2026 for early engagement. This meeting underlined the need for clear timelines, accessible consultation materials, and opportunities to share lived experiences. SPCF also emphasised the need for safe and public transport, alongside clarity on available transport support (e.g. free bus passes), and recognised the separate proposed expansion of Independent Travel Training seeks to promote independence and better long-term outcomes for young people.

Making Representations: Representations may be submitted via the Council’s online consultation platform and by email to the responsible service. Details of how to respond, including the closing date for representations, will be set out in the consultation materials.

Notes/Comments: YES – An Equality Impact and Poverty Impact Assessment has been completed and will remain a live document, to be updated in light of consultation responses and to inform any subsequent decision-making.

Documents