Liberal Democrats condemn Conservatives for “kicking the can down the road” on school transport

Following the Conservative majority's refusal to debate and vote on the Home to School Transport Motion today, the Liberal Democrats have condemned the decision as a failure of leadership that will inflict a further 26 months of avoidable harm on children, families, schools, and rural communities. The Liberal Democrats also noted with disappointment that the majority of Labour councillors did not support the vote. By refusing to listen and ignoring the overwhelming evidence of the past two years, the Conservatives have effectively locked the current, failing transport policy in place until September 2028.

“Two years ago this week, this Council voted to remove free home to school transport to catchment schools. The Liberal Democrats opposed that decision then because we listened to the warnings about the harm it would cause, and today it is clear this policy isn't working for children, schools, or rural communities,” stated Liberal Democrat Councillor Felicity Cunliffe-Lister. “By finding excuses to delay a decision that only this Council can make, the Conservatives have kicked the problem down the road to a later date. They are acting as if waiting is a neutral decision, but delay comes at a very high price. Because they have buried their heads in the sand, the Class of 2027 will now be forced into a system that we all know is fundamentally broken.”

The Liberal Democrats warn that the refusal to decide the motion today means that the 2027 admissions process will begin under the existing “nearest school only” arrangements. As a result, approximately 340 more families next year will fall into the 'catchment gap', forcing them to make impossible choices between the certainty of a place at their catchment school and the certainty of actually being able to transport their child there.

The Liberal Democrat group also highlighted that the policy, originally introduced solely to save money, has completely fallen apart financially. Transparent financial modelling based on the Council's own published data indicates that a fragmented 'nearest only' network is actually estimated to cost 8% to 10% more to operate, potentially costing the Council an additional £4–5 million per year once fully embedded. Cllr Cunliffe-Lister noted that the policy's projected savings hang on the expectation that parents will put their hands in their own pockets, give up jobs, or lose working hours to transport their children.

“We all know this policy needs to change, and we have a moral duty to do so,” Cllr Cunliffe-Lister added. "Leadership means recognising when a decision is no longer delivering what it promised and having the courage to change course. Doing nothing is still a decision, and today, the Conservatives have actively chosen to let the harm continue rather than listening to the evidence and bringing catchment back."

She further added her gratitude to the community: “I want to extend my deepest thanks to the parents, the School Transport Action Group, and everyone who has contributed to this motion. Families have spent two years campaigning for change. We have received hundreds of letters, public statements, and representations from parents, schools, and parish councils. Your voices are powerful, and we will continue to stand with you.”

Fellow Liberal Democrat, Councillor Steve Mason from the Amotherby and Ampleforth division, added:

“The council had the opportunity to end this cruel policy, and yet again the Conservatives have reinforced more harm to families and communities. It is deeply disappointing that the majority of Labour did not support the vote today, failing to stand up for the rural communities that so desperately need this issue resolved.”