Try GOLD - Free
SEND post-16 travel service spared cuts again
The Journal
|October 22, 2025
CONTROVERSIAL cuts to free school transport in Newcastle for some pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) have been dropped for a second time.
Newcastle City Council had been expected to sign off plans to end its universal home to school SEND travel provision for young people aged 16 and over.
The proposals had sparked an outcry among parents, who warned that the move would add to struggling families' burdens and risk some vulnerable youngsters being unable to continue in their education. After originally being put on hold a year ago amid those concerns, the cuts have now been unexpectedly pulled again.
Labour council leader Karen Kilgour told a cabinet meeting on Monday evening that her administration had "listened" to families and now decided to withdraw the changes. The local authority had argued previously that it could no longer afford the post-16 service, which cost £1.5m in 2024/25 to support more than 200 pupils.
This story is from the October 22, 2025 edition of The Journal.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Journal
The Journal
‘You normally give me 5/10!’ – Ratings spark laughs but Dan
DAN Burn admitted he was more than happy to be categorised as the next Paul Dummett when it comes to The Journal's player ratings - and quipped he would take any low marks on the chin.
1 mins
November 06, 2025
The Journal
Church's LED screen plan rejected
PLANS for a large digital advertising screen at a church building in Wearside have been rejected by council development chiefs, after being described as “overbearing” and “visually obtrusive.”
1 mins
November 06, 2025
The Journal
Chelsea star's firm struck off
ENGLAND and Chelsea footballer Raheem Sterling’s fashion business, 1692, has been struck off after losing more than £1m in two years.
1 min
November 06, 2025
The Journal
Manny measuring up to 'Billy Whizz'
ENGLAND may be forced to rip up their back three plans for Saturday's meeting with Fiji but will still be able to count on the player acclaimed as the new Jason Robinson.
2 mins
November 06, 2025
The Journal
Tiny goldcrest is a sight to behold
AUTUMN IS A GREAT TIME TO CATCH UP WITH OUR SMALLEST BIRD
1 mins
November 06, 2025
The Journal
Black Cats looking for answers over ref's call
CLUB WANT CLARITY OVER PEN CLAIM
2 mins
November 06, 2025
The Journal
North East aims to get more people working
Former John Lewis boss Sir Charlie Mayfield
2 mins
November 06, 2025
The Journal
Police not contacted over councillors' register of interests
NORTHUMBRIA Police have not been contacted over concerns around Northumberland county councillors’ register of interests - despite warnings from the local authority's top lawyer.
1 mins
November 06, 2025
The Journal
Democrats win in NYC
ZOHRAN Mamdani was elected mayor of New York City on Tuesday, capping a stunning ascent for the 34-year-old state lawmaker, who was set to become the city’s most liberal mayor in generations.
2 mins
November 06, 2025
The Journal
Cats one of best-run clubs in top flight – Poyet
FORMER Sunderland manager Gus Poyet reckons the Wearsiders are one of the best-run clubs in the Premier League.
1 min
November 06, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size