Warrington Borough Council has unveiled a new strategy to reduce rising transportation costs by encouraging more parents to drive their children to school. The Warrington school transport changes come in response to a significant surge in demand for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) transport, as well as inflated charges from private transport providers.
Under the new plan, the council will increase payments to families who choose to use their own vehicles, offering a more appealing personal transport budget to cover expenses. Officials hope this will ease the burden on public services while providing a more personalised and less stressful experience for children.
Rising Costs Spark Urgent Reform
The council reported a 79% rise in SEND transport contracts over the past five years, with annual transport costs climbing due to a growing student population and steep operator fees. A report to councillors highlighted the “year-on-year escalation of transport costs,” prompting urgent reform to ensure the sustainability of support services.
Councils are legally required to provide transport for specific groups of pupils, including those with SEND or who live beyond a certain distance from school.
Personal Transport Budgets to Be Boosted
The increased payments will fall under personal transport budgets—allowances given to eligible parents or carers to cover school travel costs. By enhancing these payments, the council hopes to reduce reliance on taxis and minibuses while providing families with more flexibility.
Cllr Jean Flaherty said, “It’s better for children to be taken by a parent, family member or close friend than being put in a vehicle on their own or with other children—it can be quite daunting, especially for those with special educational needs.”
Over £800,000 Spent on Post-16 SEND Transport
Warrington Council also plans to review transport for pupils over 16, currently paying for travel for 123 young people—105 of whom receive taxi or minibus service at a total cost of over £800,000 per year. The most expensive individual journey exceeds £37,000 annually.
Alongside the transport budget updates, the council will revise how it calculates the distance between home and school and invest in travel training for some over-16 students, aiming to increase independence and reduce long-term transport reliance.
Cost Savings and Improved Support
The proposed reforms are designed not only to reduce financial strain on the council but also to offer children more comfort and support during their school journeys. “We’re finding we’re not only able to save money but provide a better service for those children—which is our key consideration,” said Flaherty.
The council believes this approach will deliver “huge savings” while ensuring that children, especially those with SEND, receive tailored and supportive transport solutions.
