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Schools: Travel

Asked by Euan StainbankLabourScotland OfficeTabled Answered 12 February 2026UIN 111282

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the statutory walking distance for entitlement to home to school transport under section 42(4) of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill

The provision of school transport is the responsibility of local authorities in Scotland.

It is for Scottish Ministers and local authorities to consider the adequacy of the statutory walking distance and to determine the policy and operational aspects of home-to-school transport provision.

I note that the Scottish Government undertook a review of this policy and subsequent update of this matter in 2025.

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