I’d like to respond to Mrs Carter’s letter dated 9 June 2016 about transport charges for her 16 year old son to attend Barrs Court School in Hereford.

The decision to withdraw free transport for post 16 Special Educational Needs (SEN) students was taken by Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet in March 2014.  

Where parents wish to use council arranged transport, rather than make their own arrangements, the current parental financial contribution in 2016/17 is £750 or £1.98 per journey.  We do not charge higher costs for the more specialised transport arrangements for some students with disabilities.

 I would like to stress that if parents are finding that they have financial difficulties in meeting the costs of transport, there are bursary funds administered by their chosen school.  We encourage all parents in those circumstances to speak to their child’s school to discuss whether they are eligible for support.

 Council officers are in contact with Mrs Carter to ensure she is aware of this bursary fund.

Councillor Jonathan Lester

Herefordshire Council Cabinet member for young people and children’s wellbeing