MPs warn on rising cost of home-to-school transport

In March 2026 the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC) published a report on home-to-school transport in England, warning that the government's SEND reforms had left questions about transport costs unanswered.

What the committee found

• Spending on home-to-school transport rose by 106% in real terms between 2015-16 and 2023-24, to around £2.5 billion a year.
• The government's plan to write off 90% of historic SEND deficits does not cover home-to-school transport.
• Transport after age 16 is at councils' discretion, which the committee called a "cliff-edge" for families.
• Parents find the system hard to navigate, and the Department for Education doesn't know who receives transport or whether it reaches those most in need.

What it recommended

• The government should clarify how much support councils with ongoing SEND deficits will get.
• The Department for Education should collect clearer data on who uses home-to-school transport.
• The government should set out how better local transport could reduce demand for door-to-door travel assistance.
• The Department should help families through the post-16 gap in support.

What it means for families and councils

Councils are under pressure to control transport costs, so expect more reviews of travel policies, more personal travel budgets and more independent travel training offers. If your child relies on SEND transport, keep evidence of their needs up to date and read any policy consultation from your council carefully.

For councils, local operators who can show consistent staffing, clear reporting and value for money will matter more. Read how we work with councils.