A Yorkshire bus, photo Sherpa_536 (Creative Commons)

A Yorkshire bus, photo Sherpa_536 (Creative Commons)   (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)

Leeds council has withdrawn escorted transport funding for young people aged 16 and over with special educational needs and disabilities. Parents and students, alongside Unite Community members, gathered on the steps of Leeds Town Hall on 28 April to protest.

These service users have launched a campaign to highlight the huge impact this policy would have, and reverse the decision. Young people face losing independence and mobility as well as social networks they have built up through years of using these travel services.

The Labour-run council has responded, callously explaining that the law does not compel them to provide travel. While travel for those with the most complex needs may still be funded, the council is also offering ‘independent travel training’ to some of the disabled young people.

Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) candidates showed our support and were cheered when we discussed our strategy of utilising reserves and borrowing to halt cuts to vital services.

Rob Hooper, Leeds Socialist Party and Armley TUSC candidate