Cost of ASN transportation has soared

Finance bosses at Dumfries and Galloway Council have highlighted 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. An ASN transport update report will be presented to councillors at next week’s economy and resources committee. It states: “The total cost of ASN school transport provision has increased by £1.346 million (93 percent) over the past three years (2002 to 2025). “This is a significant increase, with overspends in each year addressed through a combination of offsetting underspends within the wider economy and infrastructure budget, contributions from the education service, and additional corporate funding. “Additionally, costs have continued to escalate in 2025/26, exceeding the available budget. Members have been provided with regular revenue budget monitoring reports to this committee, highlighting continued cost increases. “In recognition of this, a one-off allocation of up to £500,000 has been ring-fenced to support ASN transport costs in 25/26, reducing the forecast overspend from £775k to £275k. “This position is subject to ongoing budget monitoring.”