Loss of bus fare subsidies cause 'financial strain'

Scrapping bus fare subsidies for over-16s in Rutland has led to financial strain on families, according to a council survey.

Rutland County Council's cabinet approved the School and Post-16 Travel Assistance Policy update last year, in an effort to save costs.

It led to a rise in the price of a bus pass for over-16s in mainstream education from £624 per year to £1,000.

According to a report produced by Rutland County Council members, cutting the subsidy led to 85 per cent of families who responded to a council survey on the issue to suffer moderate to severe financial pressure.

More than 60 per cent of respondents also said the new policy had influenced their child's choice on further education.

Over-16s with special educational needs were not affected by the change, as their travel requirements are covered by separate legislation.

According to the report, presented at the council's last scrutiny and overview committee meeting, parents said "communication around the introduction of the new policy was delivered very late in the day when many households had budgeted for bus passes at the subsidised rate".

The report added: "Finding an additional £400 at such short notice created an unexpected and consequently unplanned financial pressure."

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, committee chairperson Councillor Lucy Stephenson (Con) said: "It's clear there has been a financial impact. I think part of the issue was the surprise – it was a bit of a financial shock for a lot of families."

The updated policy suggests low-income households which are struggling with transport costs should ask schools and colleges about bursary funding opportunities before they approach the council.

But if a bursary application is refused by a school or college, the council would consider the applicant's eligibility for financial assistance, although requests would be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Shortly before the findings of the survey were published, a £1 bus fare cap for under 19s with the correct bus pass was implemented across Rutland.

The scheme remains in effect, but calls were made at the committee meeting to plan beyond the fare cap, in case budgetary pressures force the council to scrap it.

In view of the report's findings, several recommendations will be made to the council, including refreshing the relevant council webpage to "give greater prominence and signposting to bursaries and other financial support".

The committee also recommended "any changes to transport policies that will impact households are shared at the earliest opportunity".

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