Northumberland Council considers ending free faith school transport

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 06:08 · Archive

Northumberland County Council is considering ending free transport to faith-based schools for new pupils from September 2028. Currently, children who meet eligibility criteria can receive free transport to their nearest faith school.

Councillor Guy Renner-Thompson, cabinet member for children and young people, said the council is one of the few local authorities still providing this support. He cited rising costs in home-to-school transport, particularly for children with special educational needs and disabilities, as a reason to scrutinise the policy. "Changing the policy could help redirect resources and contribute towards reducing financial pressures," he said.

The proposed changes would apply only to new applicants, meaning existing pupils would retain their free transport. The council has launched a public consultation running from 19 October to 30 November to gather views from parents and carers on the proposals.

How it is being reported

• Northumberland considers ending free faith school transport for new applicantsNorthumberland County Council is considering changes to its school transport policy.Hexham Courant · 22 Oct, 05:00
• Northumberland Council considers ending free faith-based school transport for new pupilsNorthumberland County Council is seeking the views of parents and carers on proposed changes to its school transport policy.Northumberland Gazette · 20 Oct, 15:08

In this story: Northumberland County Council · Northumberland · Guy Renner-Thompson

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