Isle Of Wight Council Defends £4.5m Spend On School Taxi Transport

The Isle of Wight Council has defended its use of taxis and small vehicles to get children to and from school – after figures showed nearly £4.5 million was spent over the past two years.

County Hall says it understands concerns about the cost but stresses the service is only used when essential to meet the needs of children, many of whom have special educational needs or disabilities.

Council leader, Cllr Phil Jordan, described the service as “a lifeline – not a luxury” which ensures children get the education they deserve.

A Freedom of Information request revealed spending rose from £939,438 in 2019/20 to more than £2.3m in the current financial year (2024/25). In 2023/24, the total was just over £2m.

A council spokesperson said the rising cost reflects a national challenge:

“These arrangements are only used when necessary and to meet the needs of the child.

"They reflect a growing national challenge faced by local authorities, with more children requiring specialist SEND provision which often needs tailored transport.”

The council added it is committed to sustainable travel “wherever possible” and is working to expand local SEND provision to cut down on long journeys.

This week two new SEND resourced provisions opened at The Bay CE Primary and Brighstone CE Primary. Expansions have also taken place at St George’s School, Hunnyhill Primary and Brading Primary.

Further developments are due soon – including a new Social, Emotional and Mental Health unit at Medina House School in January, and Lionheart School’s expansion into the former Cowes Primary site.

Cllr Jordan said many children with SEND simply cannot use buses:

“They might need wheelchair access, a quieter space, or extra support on the journey.

"Taxis ensure they can travel safely and calmly, ready to learn. For many families this service is the only way their child can access education consistently.”