§ Mr. BeithTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when the study of post-16 school transport arrangements was completed; what indications it gave as to the number of education authorities which charge for transport to school for 16 to 19-year-olds; and what action she has taken as a result of the study. [30392]
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§ Mr. Ivan LewisThe fieldwork for the study into post-16 transport support was completed in November 2001. We are awaiting the consultants' report. Their initial findings suggest that most LEAs charge for transport for students aged 16 and over, although free transport remains available to some, e.g. students assessed as disabled. Charges for transport vary between LEAs.
In order to make improvements to transport support for students aged 16 to 19, we have introduced a clause in the current Education Bill to revise section 509 of the 1996 Education Act and clarify the duty on LEAs so that they work with the local LSCs, colleges and others, in developing and delivering policies for support.
We are also making £9 million available to LEAs in 2002–03 to help them to develop and test the best approaches to transport support. Information about these developments will reach LEAs in February 2002.