Families to challenge Hampshire County Council’s transport policy in High Court

FAMILIES opposing Hampshire County Council’s policy of charging parents for contributions towards “vital” educational transport have been granted permission to challenge the decision in the High Court.
Families have been given permission to challenge Hampshire County Council's post-16 school transport policy in the High Court.Families have been given permission to challenge Hampshire County Council's post-16 school transport policy in the High Court.
Families have been given permission to challenge Hampshire County Council's post-16 school transport policy in the High Court.

Two families are being represented by the law firm, Irwin Mitchell, who are challenging the council’s post-16 transport policy.

The policy states a need for parental contributions from the parents of students with special educational needs or a disability aged 16 to 18 and continuing students aged 19. The amount requested ranges from £600 to £1330 depending on distance travelled.

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The Council has stated it would waive or reduce the charges in circumstances where paying it would bring the family’s income near to £16,190 or below. However, the families argue that the criteria for waiving contributions is unlawful.

Lawyer, Alice Cullingworth, argued: ‘The Council has failed to make their decision on parental contributions lawfully and that their discretion on waiving or reducing charges needs to go further to accommodate the individual needs of the families affected.’

‘Exceptions should be made on more than just the £16,190 income threshold.

‘The transport service is vital for students to access educational support, and the charges will have a severe impact on some of the most vulnerable people in society.

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‘That the High Court has granted permission for a judicial review clearly shows this policy is causing concerns for families and needs to scrutinised.’

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