What consideration has the Welsh Government given to introducing a unified national policy across Wales requiring all local authorities to provide free home-to-school transport to the nearest secondary school for learners in year 7 to year 13?
The Learner Travel (Wales) Measure 2008 sets out the national statutory framework for home-to-school transport in Wales. It requires local authorities to provide free transport for primary pupils living more than 2 miles and secondary pupils living more than 3 miles from their nearest suitable school. This piece of legislation provides a unified national policy across Wales for compulsory school aged learners. Local authorities do not have a duty under the Learner Travel (Wales) Measure 2008 to provide free or subsidised learner travel arrangements for learners over the age of 16. However, local authorities may use their discretionary powers in section 6 of the Measure to provide assistance as long as it is equitable for all learners.
The Welsh Government undertook an internal analysis and evaluation exercise in 2023. The written statement and final report was published on the Welsh Government’s website.