Northumberland Council considers ending free faith-based school transport for new pupils
Northumberland County Council is seeking the views of parents and carers on proposed changes to its school transport policy.
Currently, free transport may be provided for children attending their nearest faith-based school if they meet the criteria.
The council is considering changes which would mean stopping giving free school transport to new pupils who choose a faith-based school on religious grounds to free up funds.
Councillor Guy Renner-Thompson, Cabinet Member with responsibility for children and young people, said: “We’re currently one of the only local authorities to still provide free transport to school for children based on faith.
“It’s important we scrutinise everything when we are considering the Council’s spending, and the cost of providing home-to-school transport has increased significantly in recent years, particularly for children with special educational needs and disabilities."
Cllr Renner-Thompson explained that 425 pupils currently receive free transport to attend their preferred school on faith founds, costing almost £977,000 per year from a total education transport budget of £26.4 million.
He added: "Changing the policy could help redirect resources and contribute towards reducing financial pressures – but we need hear your views on this too.”
The proposal would not impact pupils already receiving free faith-based transport, who would continue to do so while they remain at their current school.
It only relates to free transport provided as an additional discretionary benefit for faith-based school choice, and outlines the continued provision of transport where it is required by law, including for eligible low-income families.
It would apply to applicants from September 2028, following consultation and a final cabinet decision.
The consultation is open until November 30, 2026 and can be found here.