Campaigners elated as plans to cut transport for disabled students are scrapped
Planned cuts to a vital school transport service for students with special needs and disabilities in Walsall will now not go ahead, it has been confirmed.
Leader of the council Mike Bird announced earlier today that the proposed post-16 transport savings will now not form part of the authority's 2019/20 budget savings.
He said to the Express & Star: "We felt it was not right until we explored further avenues. So it will not feature in this year's budget. The reason I am saying this now and not at the budget meeting on February 13 is to help quell the anxiety caused by this consultation process."
The council cabinet first discussed changing travel plans for students aged 16 and above who have special education needs and disabilities in October 2018 - in a bid to save £560,000 a year.
But the decision was met with furious backlash from supporters of the service, which is used by 97 people at Mary Elliot School, a place for youngsters with special educational needs.
If the service did close, it would result in some students having to be put into out-of-hours care, and parents having to make a three-hour journey twice a day to drop off their children, it had been said.
In light of today's news, Bal Bassi, a teacher at Mary Elliot School, who fought against the cuts said: "We are elated. I just can't believe it, it's the best news.
"Our hard work has paid off. I don't think we should have been put in this position in the first place, but we're so happy."
Walsall North MP Eddie Hughes visited Mary Elliot School last year to discuss the issue with the headteacher. He said today: "I'm delighted that the concerns I raised have been listened to and that the council will not be making the cuts as part of its budget savings."
In an official statement Councillor Mike Bird said: "Along with Councillor Chris Towe, my Portfolio Holder for Education and Skills I have reviewed all feedback we have received since consultation began. We recognise the strength of feeling and potential impact the proposed changes to the way in which travel assistance is provided has for these young people.
"After extensive discussion with cabinet colleagues we collectively propose to ‘pause’ any changes regarding home to school transport for post 16 students with special educational needs and disabilities.
"This means that the proposed ‘post 16 transport savings’ will now not form part of the Council’s 2019-20 budget savings.
"This administration remains committed to ensuring that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities lead lives that are as independent as possible and this will continue to inform our thinking."
