We are committed to reducing inequality in mobility, and want to create opportunities for 16–19-year-olds to continue in education and achieve their potential in learning post 16.
The fund is not means tested, but is not available for households with higher income/tax bracket, and can be used for transport such as bus, train, taxis, fuel costs for private transport or bicycle.
Changes to the Scheme this year:
- Students who are purchasing a Post 16 “spare seat” on Westmorland and Furness Council’s spare seat scheme at a cost of £753.93 are eligible for a grant of £376.96 (50% of the seat cost).
- Decrease from 13 pence per mile to 12 pence per mile to cover fuel costs in line with government’s revised advisory fuel rate for smallest sized petrol engine vehicles.
- Prioritisation of Students who applied for the bursary in 2024-25 and were in the first year of a two-year course, Cared for Children and Care Leavers and Young People with an EHCP who are enrolled on a supported internship
Alston Moor Federation will continue to be supported to provide affordable, subsidised bus transport for students to attend sixth form at New College, Durham in 2025/26. This is done via a transport service from Alston, collecting young people from Nenthead and along Weardale each day.
Last year a total of £303,737 was granted to 515 individuals, as well support for the Alston Moor Federation transport scheme.
Qualifications supported include A Levels, BTECs, Diplomas, T Levels and Degrees. Subjects studied include agriculture, engineering, health and social care, English, maths, biology, chemistry and law, across 42 schools and colleges.
Feedback from one family about the positive impact of the scheme said: "It has taken a massive financial burden off of our shoulders. We were worrying how we were going to fund our son's travel to college every day in Kendal, but having the bursary has meant that we didn't need to worry. It's helped us massively and we are so grateful."
Councillor Janet Battye, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Education and Skills, said: "We fully recognise that many of our local young people face a range of challenges in accessing post 16 education and training and the cost of transport is one of them. Transport investment can have a positive impact on the prospects and life chances of young people and will also support our businesses to create the workforce and skills to meet the needs of our economy.”
Councillor John Murray, Cabinet Member for Transport and Regulatory Services, said: "We are delighted to again be able to offer this support to young people. The geography of Westmorland and Furness can make travel a barrier to access training, skills and education. We are committed to improving infrastructure and connectivity across our area and schemes like this will make a huge difference.
Other support is available from Westmorland and Furness Council:
If you are under 19 years of age on 1 September 2024, come from a low-income family and you are studying a full-time course (a minimum of 17 hours per week), you may be eligible for free Post 16 (low income) transport.
This is available to students in full-time education, who live over three miles from their catchment sixth form or nearest college offering the vocational area they are studying and whose parent or carer is on one of a range of benefits. For more information visit the Westmorland and Furness Council website.
The A2B Now card – a reduced fare bus travel card for 5-20 year olds living in Westmorland and Furness outside school travel times – is also available for young people to help them access leisure, sports, social participation and culture. Residents aged between five and 20 years old can apply for the pass, which costs £10 per year.
It is valid on local bus services within Westmorland and Furness and entitles holders to bus travel for £1.80 (single) and £3 (return). If the normal fare is less than this, travellers will pay the normal fare.
Application forms for the A2B Now card are available at all libraries in Westmorland and Furness or can be downloaded.
See the website for more details and eligibility.
The project reflects Westmorland and Furness council’s key priorities for the area, including funding for local areas, biodiversity and nature, sustainable transport, social care, children, culture and education.