Post-16 school transport costs in Suffolk are set to be frozen for the next school year, as families face the growing pressures of the cost of living crisis.

Suffolk County Council's Conservative cabinet has been recommended to keep the cost of school bus travel for sixth form and college youngsters, as well as those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) at its 2021/22 levels for the new academic year starting in September.

It means the costs to families will remain at £930 for the year for mainstream pupils or £750 per year for SEND pupils, if agreed next week.

Councillors will decide on school travel cost at cabinet next Tuesday

The authority's report, published ahead of the cabinet meeting on Tuesday, said it had consulted on plans to up the figure by £90 for mainstream and £30 for a SEND seat next year, but the combination of the cost of living crisis and the consultation responses meant it is instead recommending a freeze.

The report said: "In the current economic climate, families are facing higher living costs which are likely to impact the majority of households, including those with incomes above benefit thresholds.

"Post-16 travel costs may therefore influence a student's post-16 options and restrict opportunities on the grounds of affordability.

"The Department for Education's Post-16 travel guidance advises that local

authorities may ask learners and their parents for a contribution to transport costs and in exercising their discretion they should ensure that any contribution is affordable for learners and their parents; and ensure that there are arrangements in place to support those families on low income."

The council had already agreed to annual increases back in June 2018, in an attempt to reduce the amount of subsidy.

"The proposed and previously agreed annual increases assumed that in a year or so, it would be cheaper for parents to purchase a seat on a public route where this is an available option," the report reasoned.

But the consultation, which generated 40 parent responses over six weeks in January and February, overwhelmingly backed keeping costs as they are.

Of the 40 responses, 39 said it would cause either a reasonable or considerable impact for families.

One parent in the consultation said: "Unfortunately our son won't be able to attend sixth form as too expensive. Should be free as post-16 education is compulsory."

Another said: "Children are expected to stay in education until they are 18, how can we as parents who are already stretched when it comes to expense and living costs afford an increase and accept this policy and still give our children the education they deserve?"

Parents said that in many cases – particularly in rural villages – the existing bus networks did not operate frequently enough or at the right times to make those viable, while the high costs of transport meant parents were forced to drive their child, which increased CO2 emissions.

The council's report said it did not have a statutory duty to transport pupils to college or sixth form post-16, and there were no specific grants from central Government to fund their transport.

The price freeze is set to be decided at the cabinet meeting on Tuesday, April 26.