An online engagement was carried out from Monday 15 June 2026 to midnight on Sunday 13 July 2026 for Torbay Council’s new Post-16 Personal Transport Budgets (PTB) Policy.
The policy to be implemented in September 2026 is for young people aged 16-plus people who are eligible for home to school transport. PTBs provide financial support directly to families to enable them to make their own transport arrangements, where appropriate, as an alternative to council-arranged transport.
A page was created on our website with information about PTBs and links to the survey, the policy, and guides for parents/carers and young people.
The engagement was carried out online using a form with an introduction, links to the policy document and links to the pages on our website including information and advice for parents/carers and children and young people.
Respondents were asked if they agreed or disagreed with the policy and there was a space to leave a comment.
The engagement was promoted on the Council’s social media platforms, in articles in email newsletters, and by direct emails to schools/colleges and other stakeholders.
22 responses were received to the survey. 13 respondents (59%) agreed with the policy, nine (41%) disagreed. 21 of the 22 respondents gave a comment.
There were 18 comments from residents and three from local organisations.
Most comments focused on flexibility, independence, parental choice, safety, and concerns about PTBs becoming a replacement for existing transport support.
Residents were more divided, with support for flexibility and independence balanced by concerns about loss of specialist transport and PTBs becoming the default option.
Organisations were unanimously supportive in principle, but sought safeguards and policy improvements rather than fundamental changes to the proposal.
Across both groups, the strongest common message was that PTBs should operate as a genuine choice alongside existing transport arrangements, particularly for learners with additional needs.
The following thematic analysis of the comments was carried out with the assistance of CoPilot AI. The results have been checked and verified by an Engagement and Communications Officer.
This was the most common positive theme.
Respondents felt PTBs could provide more flexibility for families and allow transport arrangements to be tailored to individual needs. Several comments highlighted that families could choose the most suitable way to support travel on different days.
Key points included:
Example comments included:
Many supportive respondents believed PTBs could help young people develop independence and prepare for adulthood.
Comments suggested PTBs could:
One parent described how a PTB could allow their child to travel independently when able, while still allowing family support when needed.
This was the most significant concern among those who disagreed.
Several respondents accepted that PTBs might work for some families but worried that:
Comments frequently requested reassurance that PTBs would remain genuinely optional and that existing transport support would still be available where required.
A number of responses focused on whether PTBs would be appropriate for all learners.
Respondents raised concerns about:
There was a strong message that transport arrangements should be based on individual need rather than cost.
Several respondents linked transport support to the right to continue education after age 16.
Comments suggested:
Some respondents questioned whether direct payments would be spent on transport.
Concerns included:
A small number of respondents suggested vouchers, bus passes or council-approved transport providers would provide greater accountability.
A recurring point from both residents and organisations was the need to retain taxi transport for those who require it.
Respondents stated that:
One organisation specifically requested assurance that taxi provision would remain available where needed.
One organisational response supported the proposal but suggested broadening the policy further.
Recommendations included:
The consultation shows broad support for PTBs in principle, particularly where they increase flexibility and independence. However, support is heavily qualified by concerns that PTBs could become the default option and reduce access to specialist transport.
The strongest messages emerging from the comments are:
Residents expressed a mix of support and concern about the proposed PTBs.
Main reasons for support:
Supporting access to education
Main concerns
Impact on learners with additional needs
Cost versus need
Use of public funds
Retention of taxi provision
All three organisations supported the proposal in principle, although each suggested amendments or safeguards.
Education institution
Position: Supportive, subject to safeguards.
Key themes
Charity
Position: Supportive.
Key themes
Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)
Position: Supportive, with recommendations to strengthen the policy.
Key themes
Residents: Strong support from many respondents
Organisations: Supported by all organisations
Residents: Frequently mentioned benefit
Organisations: Supported, particularly through personalised travel arrangements
Residents: Major concern
Organisations: Requests for assurances that choice remains genuine
Residents: Significant concern
Organisations: Specifically raised by one organisation
Residents: Frequently raised concern
Organisations: Focus on ensuring individual needs remain central
Residents: Raised by several respondents
Organisations: Particularly emphasised by charity
Residents: Rarely mentioned
Organisations: Strongly promoted by CIO
Residents: Not raised by residents
Organisations: Raised by CIO