Post 16 Transport Policy 2022-23

Update May 2022

Thank you to everyone that gave their views. The consultation report is now available in the Document section. The updated policy is now available on Kent.gov.

We are seeking your views on our Post 16 Transport policy. The Department for Education requires us to consult each year, regardless of any changes, to ensure the policy provides a full picture of the available transport and support.

While we understand that the ongoing uncertainty around COVID-19 means that it is difficult to plan for the future, it is important that we still ensure that sufficient transport provision is available for those families and learners who need it. As the current year’s policy did not limit KCC’s ability to make these necessary adjustments, we are proposing no significant changes to the policy for the 2022/23 academic year. We will of course continue to monitor how the pandemic develops, alongside any changes in government guidance and advise all users if any adjustments are needed in the future.

There is a legal requirement for learners to stay in education, training or work until they reach 18 years of age, and as young adults there is an expectation they will contribute to the cost of their travel in most circumstances. Unfortunately, legislation on free school transport only applies to children until the end of Year 11, so Post 16 learners cannot continue to be offered the same level of support as they may have previously received. Whilst KCC is not directly funded to support any transport requirements for learners over the age of 16, KCC has made significant financial commitments to Post 16 Transport.

The Local Authority commits in excess of £7 million on Post 16 Transport and draws an income of around £2.3 million. Numbers fluctuate from year to year, but the total subsidy remains between £4-5 million per annum.

Your views are therefore important to us and will help KCC Members in making policy decisions.

As a result of previous consultations, we implemented the option to allow the 16+ Travel Saver to be bought via an instalment method, to help spread the cost of the pass throughout the year. We also reduced the cost of access to hired transport (where public buses are not operating) through the Vacant Seat Payment Scheme (VSPS).

Responses to the consultation will be analysed and considered before a final version of the policy is published at the end of May 2022.

The proposed policy for the 2022/23 academic year can be seen in the Documents section.

Have your say

Tell us what you think about the Post 16 Transport Policy for 2022/23 by completing the online questionnaire below. Alternatively, you can complete the Word version of the questionnaire or write to us at:

Transport Consultation,
Room M4.26,
Sessions House,
County Hall,
Maidstone, ME14 1XQ.

It is open to anyone who wishes to take part, as an individual or on behalf of an organisation. You may also wish to visit the KCC 16+ Travel Saver web page for more information about the current benefits.