Plan to increase financial support for pupil travel

A month-long consultation started on proposals to change financial support for pupils eligible for transport assistance.

Peterborough City Council wanted stakeholders, including parents, carers and schools, to have their say on proposals about increasing allowances it provided for some families doing the school run.

This included a cycling allowance raise of £70 per term and a mileage payment increase of 30p in some instances.

The consultation ends on 20 June and, if the changes are adopted, would take effect from the new school year in September.

Katy Cole, the council's cabinet member for children's services, said people's views would be "vitally important" in helping them make a final decision.

"Your feedback will also ensure these policies support young people needing transport assistance and help inform us about how we could work differently," she said.

The council provides travel assistance for children in Peterborough in some situations, but eligibility can depend on the child's age, distance from school and family income.

For eligible families, the council has proposed increasing mileage payments from 40p to 45p, with an enhanced rate of 70p for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.

The authority said it hoped this would encourage parents and carers to make their own arrangements to transport children to school, "that meets the child's individual needs".

A cycle allowance for secondary-age children of £30 per term would be increased to £100. This was introduced as a temporary policy after 2020 to promote "health and environmental benefits".

The council has also suggested changing its eligibility for students who do not get into their nearest or designated school.

To receive travel support, it said students must remain on a waiting list for the closest or designated school and would need to reapply at the start of each academic year.

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