THE £2m yearly bill to transport children with special needs to school may, at first glance, seem high.
It equates to £20,000 per pupil, but don’t forget these youngsters are some of the most vulnerable people in society.
Many have complex physical and mental health needs and the safest way to take them to and from schools is often in specially-equipped taxis with escorts on board – and all this is part of the cost.
It would often be impossible for their parents to take them to school – they may have other children to get to other schools or must be at work – and public transport is not an option for obvious practical reasons.
This is an important frontline service and must be protected.
But the £2m price tag just shows how expensive many council services have become and how hard it is going to be to make the huge savings demanded by the new Government.
