Council praised for reversing cut to Send transport

A COUNCIL U-turn to protect free school transport for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) from proposed cuts was "the right thing" and is affordable, city leaders say.

- DANIEL HOLLAND Local Democracy Reporter

Coun Lesley Storey

Newcastle City Council had looked set to end its universal home to school SEND travel provision for young people from the age of 16.

But an 11th hour reversal saw the local authority's Labour administration drop the plans, following a backlash from deeply concerned families who feared that the move would leave some vulnerable youngsters unable to continue their education. Prior to the surprise decision at a cabinet meeting last month, the council had been arguing that it could no longer afford to continue with the service, which cost £1.5 million in 2024/25 to support 213 pupils.