TRANSPORT for disabled youngsters is under threat as Herefordshire Council prepares to make some “difficult decisions”.

The council currently ensures that students older than 16 with special educational needs (SEN) can get from their home to school or college for free.

However, the local authority does not need to do this by law and wants disabled students to pay the same as able-bodied students from September.

To make things “fair and equal”, the council is proposing an annual charge of £660 for families to allow this service to continue.

The type of transport used ranges from minibus travel to taxis and covers whichever way the student decides to travel.

Richard Aird, headteacher of Barrs Court Special School and College, said: “Families with disabled children are already more likely to live in poverty and some children are unable to use public transport because of the extent of their disabilities.

“Plus the remote places in which some of my families live will make getting to school or college virtually impossible without home to school transport.

“I cannot believe a council is prepared to behave in such a way to deprive young people.”

In a document containing information about the plans, the council states: “Post-16 SEN student families may already benefit from a Mobility Allowance as part of any Disability Living Allowance paid to the student.

“In addition low income SEN student families may also apply to their further education college or school for a bursary payment to fund any contribution payable.

“Herefordshire Council will not be providing any financial assistance or discount for the transport.

“We are doing this to make things fair and equal. We believe all post-16 students should pay the same amount for transport.”

Alison Sheppard, who is leading a campaign to get a full time day college for 19 to 25-year-old disabled adults in the city, said a lot of people won’t be able to afford the proposed changes.

“I know the council has no money, but it should be trying to help disabled young people, not the opposite,” she added.

The council are currently holding a consultation period on the plans until April 26.

To get involved, visit consult. herefordshire.gov.uk/c onsult.ti/SENtransport/co nsultationHome.