Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what financial support is available for post-16 students in rural areas who have to travel long distances to attend the nearest further education or sixth form college.

The statutory responsibility for financial and other support regarding transport to education and training for 16 to 19 year olds rests with local authorities, enabling them to make decisions which best match local needs and circumstances. Local authorities are expected to make reasonable decisions based on the needs of their population, the local transport infrastructure, and the resources they have available.

Most young people, including those in rural areas, have access to discounts or concessions from their local authority or transport providers. Some young people are also supported by the 16-19 Bursary Fund, and some schools or colleges provide free or subsidised transport directly.

The government also supports local bus travel, including in rural areas, through the Bus Service Operators Grant.