Parents To Continue Fight

Controversial plans to remove school transport for some disabled teenagers across Leicestershire will go ahead.

It’s after parents lost a legal challenge against the County Council, after claiming the move was unlawful.

From next September, taxis and minibuses for 16-18 year olds with special educational needs will be withdrawn, with families instead given a budget to organise their own, although some fear it won’t be enough.

Parents will now continue their campaign and push for a change in the law.

Kyra Williams from Market Harborough helped lead the campaign, as her disabled daughter Molly will be one of those affected.

Molly Williams

Blake Pain, county council cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “We were very aware of concerns raised by families, but were satisfied that we have followed proper processes in relation to our new policy for post-16 SEN transport arrangements.

“We’ve already contacted parents to let them know about the ‘pause’ to the implementation of the new policy until September 2020 while we awaited the outcome of the Judicial Review.

“As part of this process we confirmed to most parents what type of transport assistance will be provided and we are working hard to confirm these arrangements ahead of the new academic year.”