Council U-turn on scrapping school bus services

Two school bus services which faced being scrapped as part of a council's efforts to cut costs will now be given funding to keep them running well into 2026.

Bradford Council had proposed ending the routes to Bingley Grammar School and St Bede's and St Joseph's Catholic College in September in a bid to save about £500,000 a year.

But following criticism from parents, the council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) confirmed they would continue to fund the services until "at least the summer of 2026".

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Labour leader of Bradford Council, said: "We have listened and had extensive conversations with partners to find a way forward."

Announcing the change of plans, Hinchcliffe said: "With the support of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, we are now able to commit to an additional year of funding for these services, so there will be no change in September 2025.

"West Yorkshire Combined Authority will be doing its own engagement exercise on the region's school bus network in a few months' time as part of its bus reform plans and these services will be included in that exercise.

"We know what a lifeline these services are for many families, and they have made clear their views on the proposals that were put forward."

Hinchliffe added that she wanted to "thank everyone for their patience in getting to this resolution, and our partners at WYCA for the considerable work they have done behind the scenes to make this arrangement possible".

Green Party councillor Matt Edwards said the move was "a huge win for parents, students and teachers who have successfully pressured the council to reverse these short-sighted proposals".

"If the council had made the effort to contact the Combined Authority earlier, we could have avoided the unnecessary stress and confusion faced by parents and students."

Judith Cummins, Labour MP for Bradford South, said: "While I applaud the good sense shown by Bradford Council and WYCA on this decision, a permanent solution to keep these buses going must still be found."

Meanwhile, Lawrence Bentley, headteacher at St Bede's and St Joseph's Catholic College, said the extension in funding for the bus services was "a big relief".

"We look forward to continuing a productive dialogue about school transport once the wider consultation process begins," Mr Bentley said.

"However, I want to pay tribute above all today to our college students. They have proved beyond all doubt that Bradford's young people are passionate, articulate, effective citizens who are engaged in the world around them.

"We are extremely proud of them, and I know how powerful hearing these voices was for elected members of all parties and none."

A report on the outcome of the public consultation into Bradford Council's original plans and the solution from WYCA is expected to go before the authority's executive on 4 March.

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