Proposal queries and responses

The following queries have been received from members of the public during the consultation. These queries and the subsequent responses from Hampshire County Council are published as an addendum to the Future Services Spring 2025 Consultation Information Packs to provide further clarification about the service area proposals and facilitate all interested parties in providing an informed response.

This page is reviewed and, where legitimate and appropriate, updated once a week.

Post-16 Transport

Query from member of the public (1)

Regarding the proposal to focus on Hampshire County Council’s resources on those most in need, by amending the eligibility criteria for Post-16 transport assistance so that the County Council would only assist with travel for Post-16 students with special educational needs or a disability, and who are from a low-income family.

Our child currently gets a free bus pass due to the location we live in, but they will turn 16 during the 2025/26 school year. Does this mean that they will now not qualify for a free bus pass during their last year at school?

Response from Hampshire County Council (1)

The School Transport Policy applies for eligible children of compulsory school age. Children remain of compulsory school age until the last Friday in June of the academic year in which they reach 16 years of age.

The Post-16 Transport Policy applies for education for students above compulsory school age e.g. students in further education aged 16-19, continuing students, and young people aged 19-25 with an EHCP.