Spiralling fuel costs are going to affect the "lifeline" of bus and taxi services provided for children in England who otherwise would be unable to get to their schools.
The County Councils Network (CCN), which speaks for all 23 of England's county councils and all 13 county unitary authorities, said there is “little wriggle room” in budgets that have already been agreed, meaning that vital services are going to be hit.
The network, whose authorities are mostly Conservative-led, said companies providing school transport were retendering contracts up to 20 per cent more expensive than last year, mainly because of the rising cost of petrol and diesel, while others were taking advantage of break clauses in their contracts because of the rapid changes at the pumps.
It is thought the moves will especially affect children with special educational needs, who often rely on transport to get to school, the CCN said. Keith Glazier, the children’s services spokesman for the CCN, said: “Free school transport is a lifeline for many pupils, but local authorities have been placed in a difficult position owing to fuel prices reaching record highs.
“Transport providers are understandably concerned that they are paying much more than a year ago, but it means councils either pay the higher rates they are requesting or potentially see thousands of pupils unable to access free school transport, which is a statutory responsibility for local authorities.”
He added: “With our budgets set for the coming year, there is little wriggle room for local authorities, except to reduce other vital services. The Chancellor’s announcements this week will help, but we need further targeted financial support for councils to get them – and transport providers – through this uncertain period and give families the peace of mind that their children’s school transport will continue to run as normal.”
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