Potential cuts to school transport in the Vale of Glamorgan have been flagged as a significant risk, echoing similar concerns seen in Bridgend, Wales. During a recent scrutiny committee meeting, Trevor Baker, the head of strategy, community learning, and resources at Vale of Glamorgan Council, fielded questions about potential reductions in school transport services. The move comes following Bridgend County Borough Council’s decision to approve changes in July 2024, which included the elimination of free school transport for certain groups and the possible withdrawal of transport for students deemed capable of walking to school.
Conservative Vale of Glamorgan Council member, Cllr Rhys Thomas, expressed apprehension about the news from Bridgend and its implications for parents. Mr. Baker acknowledged the challenges faced by the Vale of Glamorgan, with fewer available drivers and rising costs of contracts affecting transport services that operate across various regions. Discussions are ongoing about potential adjustments to pick up and drop off times to achieve cost efficiencies with service providers. However, Mr. Baker noted the shortage of drivers and operators presents a genuine risk to school transport in the Vale of Glamorgan.
In a bid to save £792,000, Bridgend’s council plans to implement changes from September 2025, including discontinuing free transport based on the sibling rule, removing transport for post-16 English-medium pupils, and withdrawing transport for pupils identified as having a safe walking route to school. Parents and carers of pupils with additional learning needs may receive a personal transport budget as part of the new scheme. Financial challenges continue to impact councils across England and Wales, with the Vale of Glamorgan Council projecting a budget gap of around £9m for 2025/26 after navigating a gap exceeding £7m this year.
The move highlights the ongoing struggles faced by local authorities to balance costs and demands on services, prompting discussions around potential service adjustments to address financial constraints while ensuring students’ needs are met. Concerns raised by councillors in Bridgend about potential impacts on attendance rates and traffic congestion suggest the complexities involved in decision making around school transport provision. As councils navigate financial pressures, these deliberations underscore the importance of balancing budgetary constraints with the welfare of students and families in the region.