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Norfolk Demands More School Transport Funding

Wednesday, 11 November 2026 at 12:07

Norfolk County Council is urging ministers to reconsider school transport funding amid rising diesel costs for rural operators across Norfolk.

Norfolk County Council is urging the government to reconsider its refusal to provide additional financial support for school transport services, amid growing concerns about rising diesel prices.

The authority says the increasing cost of fuel is creating significant difficulties for coach operators responsible for transporting thousands of children to and from school.

Councillor Tom Dickerson, Norfolk County Council's cabinet member for highways and transport, had previously written to government ministers requesting additional funding to help operators manage escalating costs.

However, the government has confirmed that no extra financial assistance will be made available.

Councillor Dickerson says he is extremely disappointed by the decision and is preparing to write again, alongside local coach operators, urging ministers to reconsider.

He has also called on Norfolk's MPs to support the campaign and raise the issue in Parliament.

The council currently provides school transport assistance for approximately 19,000 children across the county.

Norfolk's large rural geography means many pupils travel considerable distances to reach their schools, making reliable transport particularly important for families living in villages and isolated communities.

The council warns that without additional support, rising operating costs could place further pressure on services that thousands of families depend upon.

It is calling for a sustainable funding solution to protect essential home-to-school transport arrangements.

 

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