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Have your say on proposed changes to North Yorkshire Council’s Home to School Travel Policy

Following a Post Implementation Review of the updated Home to School Tavel policy introduced in 2024, North Yorkshire Council is inviting views on a number of recommended changes. The consultation is open now and runs until 4 November 2026.

The review found that the policy is largely working as intended, helping to create a fairer and more consistent approach to transport eligibility while remaining in line with national guidance and on track to deliver planned savings. It also identified areas where improvements could be made.

Executive member for education, learning and skills, Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, said: “We know that school travel arrangements are incredibly important to families and that the changes introduced in 2024 have affected some households more than others.

“When the policy changed, we promised to review how it was working in practice and to listen to the experiences of families.

“We have carefully considered feedback from parents and carers, schools and other stakeholders, alongside appeals, complaints and operational data.

“We would encourage people to take part as this is your opportunity to have your say and help us to shape the future of our home to school travel policy in North Yorkshire.”

If any recommendations are approved, they would not take effect before September 2027 and will apply to children starting in Reception and Year 7 in September 2028. Families should continue to make school preference decisions based on the existing arrangements while this process is completed.

Eligibility for free travel would continue to be based on a child’s nearest suitable school with available places. The review does not propose a return to catchment-based transport eligibility.

Find out more about the review and take part in the consultation at:

www.northyorks.gov.uk/PIRsurvey