THURROCK Council is consulting on changes to school transport support, including the possibility of replacing taxis and minibuses with personal travel budgets for young people aged 16 and over with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Under the proposals, 'Personal Travel Budgets' could become the standard offer for SEND students aged 16 to 25, with families receiving funding to arrange transport themselves rather than relying on council-contracted services in most cases.

The consultation also covers mainstream and SEND transport for children aged five to 16, support for families in temporary accommodation and changes to how frequently travel budgets are paid.

The authority says the shake-up aims to maintain essential support while giving families greater flexibility and helping young people develop independence. An expanded travel training programme is also planned for eligible post-16 students.

Cllr Milena Bingley, cabinet member for Education, Skills and Children's Services, said: "We know how important travel is in helping children and young people access education, and we are committed to ensuring support remains available for those who need it."

She said the proposals would offer families more choice while helping young people prepare for adulthood.

No final decisions have been made. Consultation responses will be considered before recommendations go to the council's Cabinet.

Any policy changes would take effect from April 2027, with implementation from September 2027.

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Parents, carers, young people, schools and transport providers have until 11.59pm on 24 December 2026 to respond.

Full details and the consultation survey are available at: Thurrock Council's Home to School Transport Consultation

The last major shake-up of school transport provision took place in 2024 and it left many parents complaining that the quality and care of the service provided had been diminished.

For many years the council had individual contracts with local service providers including small bus companies and taxi firms. Over those years many children and families have forged close links with those service providers, with trust and understanding built up over many terms of ferrying children to and from schools.

Many families have spoken in effusive terms over the way drivers have played a big part in helping a child with difficulties settle into a school environment. However, in 2024 the council moved to using a central contractor to arrange travel.