Taxis should be last resort for school contact work

The Local Government Association’s Future of Home to School Transport report (June 2025) explores the growing financial and operational pressures facing councils in delivering statutory transport services for children and young people, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The report highlights that costs have risen by over 60% in just three years, driven by increasing demand, complex individual needs, and reliance on external providers such as taxis and private hire vehicles.

Taxis feature prominently as a mode of transport used by councils to meet home-to-school transport obligations, especially for children with SEND who require tailored arrangements. However, the report notes that this reliance has contributed to escalating costs and logistical challenges. Councils are often forced to commission high-cost placements, with some exceeding £10,000 per week, and many struggle to secure suitable vehicles and drivers who meet safeguarding standards. The fragmented nature of taxi licensing—managed by district and unitary councils—adds complexity, particularly around ensuring driver suitability and vehicle safety.

The report calls for a reimagined policy framework that balances financial sustainability with equitable access. It proposes clearer eligibility criteria, better integration with the SEND reform agenda, and more strategic commissioning of transport services. It also suggests exploring alternative modes of transport and improving collaboration between education and licensing authorities to enhance oversight and reduce safeguarding risks.