Recommendation 29

We asked about the role of local bus franchising, under which local authorities decide the routes, timetables and fares, in reducing reliance on local-authority-provided home to school transport. ADEPT explained that better working relationships between local transport and education authorities would encourage whole system conversations including better use of commercial bus services for school transport provision.70 The Department told us that some local authorities were exhibiting good practice in looking at SEND provisions and transport in a more integrated way. It said that franchising could help local authorities to make long-term planning more joined-up; for example, identifying routes where additional provision could reduce reliance on more expensive forms of transport.71 It said it was working with the Department for Transport (DfT) on guidance for local authorities on “socially necessary” local routes, and on supporting local authorities to ensure routes serve schools well. In this way, it hoped local authorities might reduce spending on school transport while also providing a better service for others in the community.72