New analysis published by the LGA has found spending by councils on home-to-school transport for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is predicted to reach nearly £2 billion this year (2025/26).
This represents approximately a 200 per cent increase since 2015/16, according to research based on a survey by consultants Isos Partnership.
Nine in 10 responding councils thought spending on SEND home-to-school transport would increase, while only 12 per cent were confident they would be able to balance their budgets for SEND transport over the next five years.
The research also found that the average one-way trip to school for pupils with SEND is nine miles, with councils highlighting a growing minority travelling very long distances to school, most often because of a lack of suitable special school places closer to their home.
Cllr Arooj Shah, Chair of the LGA’s Children and Young People Board, said: “The rapidly rising need for home-to-school transport from children and young people with SEND is yet another reminder of the huge pressures on the SEND system.
“It is also wrong that children are increasingly having to travel long distances to get to school because of a lack of provision near to their home. This has to change.
“We urge the Government in its forthcoming white paper to deliver the comprehensive reforms the SEND system needs, so that it is more inclusive and improves educational attainment for children.”