Swindon Borough Council has launched a public consultation on plans to introduce an annual contribution for SEND transport for students aged between 16 and 18.
If approved, the new charge would come into effect from September 2027. The council currently provides the service free of charge to 115 young people aged 16 to 18, helping them travel to school or college.
But the authority says it is not legally required to provide transport for this age group and receives no specific government funding for the service.
Under the proposals, families who want to continue using council-provided transport would be required to make an annual contribution towards the cost.
The council says introducing a charge would bring Swindon in line with a number of other local authorities. No final decision has been made and feedback submitted during the consultation will be considered before councillors reach a decision later this year.
The consultation follows an initial exercise held in January 2025, when families and professionals were asked for their views. It comes as Swindon Borough Council continues to seek savings amid significant financial pressures, with non-statutory services being reviewed.
Councillor Kate Tomlinson, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Education, said:
“It is incredibly important that everyone affected by these proposals takes the opportunity to share their views.
“Parents and carers will receive a letter inviting them to participate in the consultation, and we have also been engaging with groups such as Swindon SEND Families Voice.
“We’re operating in a challenging financial climate, but it is vital that we hear from those affected so their feedback can be carefully considered before any final decisions are taken.”
The consultation is available through the Swindon Local Offer website and will remain open until Monday 26 October.
