Peterborough City Council recently suggested a new funding model to increase financial assistance for pupil travel. This initiative is a great step toward reducing the financial burden on families who are unable to provide transportation assistance for their children. The council hopes to increase mileage payments and boost cycle allowances. These changes would have sweeping impact helping eligible families across the entire city.
The council only provides travel costs for children under 18 under strict circumstances. These conditions vary based on multiple factors including age, proximity to their school, and household income. As part of the new proposal, the council now wants to raise mileage payments from 40p to 45p per mile for eligible families. In addition, an increased rate of 70p per mile is being suggested for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
There’s no doubt, the council is in the process of implementing some pretty exciting reforms! They plan to increase the cycle allowance for secondary-age children from £30 to £100 per term. This £70 per term increase is intended to facilitate more cycling among older students making it a realistic travel option.
The proposed changes would see a general mileage allowance rise by up to 30p in some cases. To qualify for travel support, students are required to remain on a waiting list for their closest or designated school. Importantly, families will have to go through the process of reapplying for travel assistance at the start of each academic year.
Katy Cole, the council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said that involving the community in deciding how to make these changes will be crucial.
“Your feedback will also ensure these policies support young people needing transport assistance and help inform us about how we could work differently.” – Katy Cole
The deadline for public comment on these proposed changes will end on June 20th. If passed, the new travel assistance policies will go into effect this September. This timing couldn’t be better, with the start of the new school year right around the corner. The council’s initiative is an important demonstration of its commitment to making sure that students have the support they need to succeed while in school.
