Hertfordshire County Council has approved changes to its support for student transport, moving to a system that will affect families across Rickmansworth and the rest of the county from September 2026. The new policy makes cash payments known as Personal Travel Budgets the standard offer for eligible 16 to 18-year-olds who require assistance to travel to their education or training providers.
The council introduced these changes following a significant rise in costs for student transport services. According to council data, expenses for transporting children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans in Hertfordshire increased from £17.7 million in the 2020-21 academic year to £33.8 million in 2024-25. Forecasts suggest these costs may reach £37.5 million for the 2025-26 financial year.
Under the new arrangements, families will receive payments calculated at 55 pence per mile for four daily journeys, covering 190 school days or 160 college days per year. These funds will be provided termly in advance via a direct payment card. Students who are currently receiving contracted transport, such as taxis or minibuses, will be able to keep their existing arrangements as long as they stay at the same home address and attend the same education provider.
Families who are not satisfied with the transition to a budget payment and successfully appeal for contracted transport to be reinstated will be required to pay a £1,632 annual contribution for the 2026-27 academic year. This charge will be waived for families on low incomes who are eligible for free school meals or who receive the maximum level of working tax credit.
The council reached this decision following a public consultation that ran from 18 February to 19 April 2026. Further details regarding the updated Post-16 Transport to Education and Training Policy are available through the council’s website.
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