Recommendation 16

When we asked how hard it was for parents to navigate the legislation, Contact told us that it was a regular top topic on its helpline and that parents did not really know their rights. It explained that the system was particularly unclear post-16 and that it changed by local authority in real-time. The LGA agreed that the system was complex and particularly difficult for parents. It said it was also difficult for local authority staff, 32 Qq 29, 76; C&AG’s Report, par 1.13 33 Qq 4-5 34 C&AG’s Report, para 3.11, figure 1 35 Qq 4-7, 9 36 Natspec (HTS0007) 37 Q 76 12 citing an example authority that transports 10,000 passengers per day through 1,200 contracts and over 200 providers.38 This sentiment was echoed in written evidence, including from the Challenging Behaviour Foundation, the Association of Colleges and the Transport Studies Unit at the University of Oxford.39 When we asked the Department about navigability of the system, it told us that it was for local authorities to assess eligibility and ensure their published travel policies were clear. It said it did not see many complaints about the clarity of the offer but acknowledged that the discretionary offer may be less clear.40 The Department’s understanding of cost and demand drivers