Transport for post-16 students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) will remain free in Wolverhampton, the council's cabinet has confirmed.
The cabinet made the decision at its meeting on Wednesday September 3, meaning Wolverhampton is one of the few authorities in the country that does not charge for the non-statutory service. It follows careful consideration of feedback in a public consultation over potential charges held earlier this year.
The new fees, had they been introduced, would have applied to students moving into post-16 SEND education from September 2025 in Wolverhampton and those already in post-16 SEND education. Councillor Qaiser Azeem, Cabinet Member for City Transport at City of Wolverhampton Council, put the proposal not to introduce the charges forward and it was supported by the rest of the cabinet.
City of Wolverhampton Council's leader, Cllr. Stephen Simkins said: "There is no statutory duty to deliver this service, this is a choice this council has taken for the most vulnerable in our city.
“We listened to the consultation. They said, we delivered.
“But without our strong financial management we wouldn’t have been able to provide this for the people who need it most. It shows our commitment to our residents and the people who need the support to have a fulfilled life, supporting one of our key priorities to protect our most vulnerable residents and ensure fair access to education and opportunity for all.
"We remain firmly committed to independent travel training, empowering learners with the skills and confidence to travel safely and independently.” In accordance with legislation, there is no transport charge for pupils aged 5 to 16 or for adult learners aged 19 to 25 in education.
Therefore, all eligible pupils, regardless of age, will receive free travel assistance.
