Thousands of pupils across the county use taxis to get to school - but the system is 'at breaking point'
Lancashire County Council is spending an eye-watering £338,000 every week on taxis to take children to and from school amid fears transport services for pupils are at "breaking point".
Lancashire's local education authorities who responded to Freedom of Information Act requests spend a total of £373,454 a week on taxis taking 3,273 children to school. He said: "Where possible, children should be educated within their local community in mainstream settings. Unfortunately, this can't always happen and that is why some students need to travel further to access the support they need in specialist settings and why we meet those costs as is our legal duty."National outlook More than 40 local authorities across the North of England were asked about how they spend on taxis for pupils who go to school both locally and further afield.
Councils have a legal duty to assist with travel arrangements for children aged five to 16 who have conditions that mean they could not be reasonably expected to walk to school. This would be either by providing funding, a public transport permit, or putting on a mini-bus, people carrier or taxi service depending on the pupil’s needs.
The body which represents local councils says the Government's recent strategy for children with special educational needs would fix some of the problems with the current system. Una Summerson, Head of Policy and Campaigns at the charity Contact, says school transport is one of the top issues its helpline gets calls about.
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