Cost-cutting aims to bring down soaring transport bill

COST cutting measures are being introduced to help get the spiralling costs of school transport under control in Dumfries and Galloway.

The cost of providing school transport for pupils with additional support needs (ASN) almost doubled in a three-year period.

And finance bosses at Dumfries and Galloway Council have stressed the “significant financial and operational pressures” the local authority is under due to ever-growing demand.

This year, the bill is expected to reach nearly £2.7 million. This is £275,000 over-budget – even after additional funding was provided prior.

The concerning issue was discussed by councillors at the latest economy and infrastructure committee.

Annandale South Councillor Sean Marshall said: “I’m encouraged by the amount of work we’re doing to reduce the budget overspend.

“It’s maybe too early, but I would really like a very loose figure at this point on potential savings to bring the budget back into line.”

Council officers responded by outlining various actions that have been taken to lower the substantial outlay for ASN transport.

Transport official Daniella Robison said: “A couple of the savings that we’ve made so far include bringing a school run in-house – Kirkcudbright going into Castle Douglas Primary.

“The previous operator provided that at £300 per day, and the cost is now around £82 a day.

“Another one is promoting local bus services and helping parents to transport their kids in via these services.”

Fellow transport officer Sarah-Jane Allsopp added: “There’s been meeting with other local authorities, other groups etc to understand the different systems that operate around the region.

“We’re not alone in facing cost pressures in this but we’ve been able to learn about initiatives that have been tried, and efficiencies that can be made, through speaking with other authorities.”

The total cost of ASN school transport provision has increased by £1.346 million (93 per cent) over the past three years, 2022 to 2025.