Imagine a child with special educational needs being driven 50 miles one way to school while another child heads in the opposite direction, often in a near-empty taxi. This isn’t a one-off case. It’s the reality for many local authorities across England, and it’s costing councils and taxpayers billions.
According to the Financial Times, spending on transport for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has soared to £2.26 billion in 2023–24, more than double the £1.08 billion recorded in 2015–16. It’s now one of the fastest-growing budget lines for local authorities, raising urgent questions about sustainability and efficiency.
The Driving Forces Behind the Crisis
So, why have costs risen so sharply?
- Growing demand: Over 5% of children now have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), nearly double the share from a decade ago.
- Longer journeys: A lack of nearby specialist provision is forcing children to travel further, driving up costs per pupil.
- Inefficient routes: Multiple taxis often operate in parallel, covering vast areas with little coordination.
- Market pressures: Rising fuel costs, driver wages, vehicle leasing, and insurance have added more strain to already stretched budgets.
The result? An average cost of £8,900 per SEND pupil per year, or around £46.84 per school day. In some regions, particularly rural counties, the figure is far higher: Hampshire (£86), North Yorkshire (£78), and Surrey (£58).
The Human and Financial Toll
The financial numbers are stark, but the human cost is even greater. Parents and carers are under pressure as local councils scramble to keep up. Children face long, exhausting journeys that eat into their learning and social time.
This system is not only financially unsustainable but also risks undermining the inclusion and well-being of the very children it’s designed to support.
Experts Say Changes Could Save Up to 60%
Andy Mahoney, CEO of SEND transport provider 24×7 Group, estimates that 25%–60% could be saved through better planning, smarter contracting, and improved collaboration across councils.
This isn’t about cutting corners, it’s about cutting waste. Smarter transport systems can mean fewer vehicles travelling half-empty, better-coordinated routes, and improved outcomes for children.
Building the Future: How Road XS Can Help
At Road XS, we believe technology should be part of the solution. Our cloud-based transport management software is designed to help local authorities and operators modernise SEND transport with:
- Smarter route optimisation: reducing mileage, costs, and carbon emissions.
- Consortium-ready tools: enabling councils to collaborate, pool resources, and contract more efficiently.
- Real-time visibility: dashboards and reports that highlight cost per journey, route efficiency, and compliance.
- Future demand modelling: integrating EHCP growth trends to forecast transport needs before they become budget crises.
- Passenger-first design: making journeys safer, smoother, and more predictable for children and families.
Reimagining SEND Transport
The rise in SEND transport costs highlights a system under immense pressure. But it also presents an opportunity for a rethink. With the right tools, collaboration, and forward-thinking, councils can move away from fragmented, outdated approaches and deliver a service that’s sustainable, efficient, and centred on the child.
At Road XS, we’re ready to support councils, schools, and transport providers to make this happen. Together, we can reimagine SEND transport, cutting costs without cutting care.
