INCREASING school transport costs are putting financial strain on Dumfries and Galloway Council, it has been revealed.
An extra £750,000 is needed this year to pay for school transport for pupils with additional support needs (ASN) – and it is feared this bill could rise to closer to £1m.
Meanwhile, school/local bus contracts have risen by £216,000 in 2023/24 and 2024/25.
This has led to council chiefs reshuffling previously agreed budgets to be able to afford these services.
A report, tabled at the council’s economy and resources committee this week, states: “Demand for the provision of transport to schools for those children with additional support needs has increased substantially over the last year.
“While additional budget pressures funding of £750,000 has been reflected within the 2024/25 economy and infrastructure budget in recognition of this pressure, it is now anticipated that these resources are likely to be insufficient to fully address the extent of the pressure for the upcoming academic year.
“While the extent of this pressure will be informed following confirmation of the number of children requiring transport for the new academic year, the monitoring report currently indicates that this is likely to be in the region of £200,000.
“Work continues to be progressed by officers to mitigate the extent of this pressure over the immediate and longer term, including a review of potential route efficiencies and alternative delivery models.”
A further £1.05m is also being invested in the roads budget to support the massive roads improvement programme in the region this year, which is widely considered a priority by local residents.
Council papers confirm that this money will enhance the work being done to upgrade the condition of the roads network, with additional workers being taken on to progress the works.
