YOUNG people with special educational needs will no longer have to make a contribution to travel costs after a council decided to scrap the charges.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council did ask for £450 to help meet the cost of transporting the students to colleges across the area but following this morning’s (Tuesday, May27) cabinet meeting councillors agreed to end the scheme.

At the moment the local authority organises transport for 16 post-16 learners with special educational needs.

The decision to drop the charge, which will cost the council a loss of revenue totalling £7,200, was encouraged by the Department of Education as they try to ensure that people are able to access further education.

Councillor Joan Guy, the council’s cabinet member for children’s services and education, said: “It is recommended that members approve the proposal that the council will not ask any young person over the age of 16 with special educational needs to make a contribution towards the cost if they are deemed eligible for transport between home and their education or training setting.”

The proposal was unanimously agreed by the cabinet members.