Understand
Essex County Council SEND school transport budget doubles over five years
Overview
Data obtained via a Freedom of Information request reveals that Essex County Council's budget for transporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has risen by nearly 100%, increasing from £22.37m in 2021-22 to £42.73m for 2025-26. The number of children receiving this transport support grew from 6,519 in April 2022 to 13,939 by April. Local councillors and officials have discussed national challenges, rising demand for education, health and care plans, and the need for more local special educational provision to address spiralling travel costs.
Key points
- Essex County Council's SEND school transport budget increased from £22.37m in 2021-22 to £42.73m for 2025-26.
- The council provided transport for 13,939 children as of April, compared with 6,519 children in April 2022.
- Independent councillor Wendy Stamp argued that more local special schools and expert teachers are needed to reduce travel costs.
- Sam Journet, cabinet member for SEND, skills and education, noted that pressures on the SEND system represent a national challenge.
- Twenty-five companies and organisations provide home-to-school transport for the council, with one provider recently criticized by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman over transport failings.