School Transport Policy

Appeals procedure

The Local Authority provides a discretionary appeals process for applicants who wish to challenge a decision relating to home to school transport eligibility. Full details of the appeals process are set out in Appendix 5.

Where transport assistance is refused for:

• Learners below the age of 5,
• Learners over the age of 19, or
• Applications for spare seat

There is no entitlement to transport. However, concerns regarding the application of this policy may be raised through the Council’s complaints procedure.

Applicants retain the right to refer their case to the Local Government Ombudsman. The Ombudsman can only consider matters relating to the process followed by the Local Authority, not the outcome or the professional judgement of the Local Authority in applying the transport policy. Referrals to the Ombudsman should only be made once the Local Authority’s internal appeals process has been completed.