Committee to review proposed changes to Home-to-School Travel Policies
A series of proposed changes to home-to-school travel policies and arrangements, aimed at improving clarity for families, promoting independence for young people, and addressing rising costs will be considered by the Children, Young People and Education Committee on Wednesday, 21 January 2026.
The proposals follow an extensive public consultation, which has shaped the recommendations, and include:
- Extending the Assisted Travel Policy to cover children aged 0–4, ensuring parents of pre-schoolers understand their entitlement.
- Updating Personal Transport Budgets. Families who drive their child to school could receive 45p per mile for two trips per day, plus £3 daily for fixed costs.
- Deferring the introduction of a £680 learner contribution for post-16 assisted travel, while exploring alternative funding models and hardship support.
- Expand Independent Travel Training to help young people learn to travel on their own.
- Pilot Pick-Up Points (voluntary) to test cost savings and safety before wider rollout.
- Look at new transport contracts to reduce costs by September 2026.
Consultation feedback showed strong support for extending the policy to include 0–4-year-olds, mixed views on personal transport budgets, and widespread concern about the proposed post-16 contribution. Many respondents emphasised the need for flexibility and individual assessment, particularly for SEND learners.
If approved, the revised policies will align Wirral with neighbouring authorities across the Liverpool City Region and introduce measures to promote independence and sustainability.
The committee will review the proposals on 21 January 2026. You can access the meeting agenda here.
