PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
SCHOOL TRANSPORT FUNDING FOR 16-18 YEAR OLDS IN RURAL AREAS (1 June 2015)

That this House recognises the benefits of keeping pupils in education or training up until the age of 18; notes the increased costs for pupils travelling vast distances to their nearest suitable centre of learning or training in sparse rural areas, compounded by the lack of existing transport infrastructure; further notes with concern that the increased cost of transport not covered by local authority schemes impacts disproportionately on students from lower income backgrounds, often amounting to hundreds of pounds a year per pupil; and therefore calls on the Government to consider implementing a Rural Sparsity Post 16 Travel Premium to enable these uniquely disadvantaged pupils from rural areas to continue their education without fear of being unable to afford to travel there.

Sponsored by:
Tim Farron (Liberal Democrat)