SEND post-16 travel service spared cuts again

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.

- DANIEL HOLLAND

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.