The Education, SEND & Inclusion Cabinet Panel discussed a proposed amendment to the post-16 transport policy, which would introduce personal travel budgets (PTBs) as the standard offer for 16- to 18-year-olds. The panel also discussed the timing for a review of the policy's impact.

Post-16 Transport Policy and Personal Travel Budgets

The panel considered a significant proposed amendment to the County Council's post-16 transport policy. This amendment would introduce personal travel budgets (PTBs) as the standard offer for travel support for the majority of 16- to 18-year-olds. Currently, the council transports approximately 500 young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) aged 16-18, costing around £5 million annually. The proposed shift to PTBs is intended to be more cost-effective and sustainable, with projected annual savings of around £3 million, which are intended to be reinvested in SEND services.

Jane Avery, Director of Inclusion and Skills, explained that PTBs offer greater flexibility for families to arrange travel that best suits their needs and promote independence for young people. She noted that PTBs are already in use in Hertfordshire, with over 1,000 families voluntarily choosing them.

However, the consultation on the proposed changes revealed significant concerns from parents and carers. Key worries included that PTB funding might not cover the full cost of alternative transport, particularly for young people with high individual needs requiring specialist support. Concerns were also raised about the potential strain on families, especially in rural areas with limited public transport, and the perception that the proposal shifts responsibility from the council to parents.

In response to these concerns, Jane Avery outlined mitigation measures, including detailed FAQs and an appeal process for cases where a PTB would have a detrimental impact. The existing two-stage discretionary complaint process is also to be amended to speed up decision-making. Transitional arrangements are proposed, with changes introduced incrementally by year group, meaning young people already receiving travel support under the current policy will not be affected.

During the discussion, councillors raised concerns about parents potentially preventing access to further education, the consideration of young people's voices, the methodology for deciding PTB recipients, potential challenges at tribunals, and the consideration of local transport links. A personal perspective was shared on the benefits of home-to-school transport and the need for a non-confrontational initial request process.

Councillor Ralph Muncer supported the proposal, stating the current system was financially unsustainable and that savings could be redirected to other educational areas. Councillor Alistair Willoughby expressed concerns about public transport and suggested an earlier review of the policy than initially proposed.

Jane Avery responded to these points, explaining the PTB rate and additional support for those with high needs, confirming consultation with Hertfordshire Youth Councils, and detailing the revised appeal process. Regarding the timing of a review, she explained that transport policies must be published by 31 May in the preceding year, suggesting that significant changes would likely need to be considered for early 2027 to be implemented for the following academic year.

The panel discussed the timing of a review, with suggestions for a review in approximately a year, or earlier in January. Jane Avery advised that due to publication deadlines for transport policies, an early 2027 review would be necessary for any potential amendments to be implemented for the subsequent academic year.

Following the discussion, the panel recommended to Cabinet that the post-16 transport policy be amended for the 2026-27 academic year, introducing PTBs as the standard offer. The panel also agreed to add a condition that the impact of the policy be reviewed and reported back to the panel in early 2027.

Other Business

The meeting also included administrative matters such as the confirmation of previous minutes and announcements regarding changes in roles. Penelope Hill was welcomed as the new Deputy Executive Member for the Education portfolio and Vice-Chair of the panel. Hilary Skoczylas was congratulated on her promotion to Executive Member for Children's Services. The panel also welcomed Samantha Rostom as the successor to Hiro Slim, the former Director of Inclusion and Skills. Apologies were received from Jan Maddern, and substitutions were noted for several members. Declarations of interest were made by Councillor Kanzat Ali regarding his daughter having an EHCP.