Changes will come into force for a Cumbrian council’s school transport policy from September 2027.
It means charges will be introduced for pupils starting school next year in the Westmorland and Furness Council area.
The authority said the changes would create a more financially sustainable service and followed an extensive public consultation earlier this year.
Its cabinet approved the changes today, Tuesday July 14.
The policy changes mean:
- For all changes, anyone currently receiving free transportation will continue to do so – any changes will start from September 2027 for reception, year 7, and year 12 SEND post-16 for new cohorts. Children starting reception or year 7 this year (September 2026) will not be affected.
- Free transport for eligible pupils from September 2027 will be provided to the nearest suitable school from their home address rather than the previous arrangement where pupils had a choice of nearest or catchment school for free transport. Exemptions will apply for Kirkstone Pass and Hartside Pass.
- A charge will be applied for transport provided for children in reception, are under the age of five and not yet of compulsory school age from September 2027. (Exemptions will apply)
- A charge will be applied for post-16 SEND transport. Commissioned post-16 SEND transport will only be provided where options such as independent travel training, public transport and personal travel budget are not appropriate. Low-income exemptions will apply.
- The council will continue its discretionary spare seat scheme where this is financially sustainable for the council. This means young people can still access transport for a charge where there are spare seats on routes. The council will prioritise existing access to post-16 education.
Councillor Janet Battye, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “These changes ensure consistency, fairness and legal compliance while allowing us to support those most in need.
Also, with rising costs, we must bring the policy in line with Department for Education guidance. If we do nothing, this service, delivered as it is, would not be financially sustainable in the future.
“Parents can still choose any school, but they will need to factor in making their own transport arrangements, with any associated costs, if they have chosen not to attend the nearest school and have eligibility for free transport under the statutory walking distance.
“We want to reassure parents and carers that the new policy only comes into effect from September 2027. The existing service carries on until then. The new policy does not change where children can go to school – that remains entirely a parent’s decision, and we have maintained support for low‑income families to ensure support is directed to those who most need it.”
