Reform UK's deputy leader has launched a scathing attack on what he describes as widespread "abuse" of free taxi services for children with special educational needs and disabilities, warning that the unsustainable spending could bankrupt local councils across Britain.
Ben Habib, the party's deputy leader and parliamentary candidate for Wellingborough, claimed that some parents are exploiting the system by using the taxpayer-funded transport for personal errands and shopping trips rather than solely for educational purposes.
'Unsustainable Spending Could Break Councils'
In explosive comments that are likely to provoke fierce debate, Habib warned that the current spending on SEND transport is "completely unsustainable" and threatens to push already struggling local authorities into financial ruin.
"The system is being abused," Habib stated bluntly. "While these services are essential for many genuine cases, we're seeing taxpayers' money being wasted through exploitation of the scheme."
Growing Financial Pressure on Local Authorities
The controversy emerges amid growing concerns about the financial stability of local councils across England. Several authorities have effectively declared bankruptcy in recent years, with many others warning of severe budget constraints.
SEND transport costs have become an increasingly significant burden on council budgets, with some local authorities spending millions annually on taxi services for children with special needs to attend appropriate educational facilities.
Call for System Reform
Habib's comments suggest Reform UK will make reforming SEND services and cutting what they perceive as wasteful spending a key part of their policy platform. The party has positioned itself as challenging what it calls the "Westminster consensus" on public spending.
Critics are likely to argue that such comments risk stigmatising families of children with special needs and could lead to essential services being cut for vulnerable children.
The debate highlights the difficult balancing act facing local authorities between providing essential services for vulnerable children and managing increasingly constrained budgets.
