§ Mr. Ivan HendersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills who is responsible for providing funding for transport for post-16 students in Essex; and how much funding is being provided for transport for post-16 students in Essex in the current academic year. [51299]
§ Mr. Ivan LewisEssex local education authority has a duty to provide and fund transport support for its post-16 students, where the Authority assesses that this is necessary under Section 509 of the 1966 Education Act.
Account is taken of transport costs in calculating the Revenue Support Grant, however, there is no specific grant. Local education authorities (LEAs) and colleges also receive Learner Support Funds to help with the costs of student support, including transport.
In 2001–02, Essex local education authority planned to spend £1.5 million on transport for students aged-16 and over. Additionally, a further £880,000 was planned to support students with special needs.