Local authorities (LAs) have a duty under the Education Act 1996 to publish a transport policy statement each year setting out how they will support 16- to 18-year-olds, either through transport arrangements or financial assistance with transport, to access education and training.
To fund this duty, LAs use funding from central Government and locally raised revenue, including council tax. The funding received by LAs is not specifically allocated to support 16- to 18-year-olds in their transport arrangements. LAs have the discretion to prioritise any funding they receive, or generate, to meet local needs.
LAs are expected to work with local partners, e.g. schools, further education colleges and other LAs that may be appropriate in preparing their transport policies. Working with partners will help identify the transport needs of students and identify how best to support these students to ensure that transport is not a barrier to them accessing education and training.
Guidance is available to support LAs in preparing their transport policy statement.
