EDUCATION bosses have done a U-turn on plans to charge parents of disabled children up to £1,200 to cover transport costs.

Lancashire County Council decided to drop the proposals yesterday after a consultation and a government announcement to reform special education needs policy.

The county council launched a consultation with parents to bring in financial contributions towards transport taking over-16s with special educational needs and disabilities to school or college.

Disability groups in the area have welcomed the decision not to pursue the cost-cutting measure.

Around 490 children in Lancashire receive the transport support costing the council £5,000 per child.

Jean Battle, chairman of Hyndburn Disability Forum, said: “It is brilliant if they keep it the way it is.

I hope that it is for more then 12 months though.”

Carl Travis, regional campaigns officer for learning disability charity Mencap, said: “We welcome the news.

"Families with children with a disability rely on services such as transport, as it allows them to take part in activities that most people take for granted. The proposed changes would’ve had a massive impact on families, and could have led to many young people being forced to leave school or college."

County Coun Susie Charles said: “Having carefully read all the responses we have decided to withdraw the proposals.

“A factor was the government announcement of its intention to carry out fundamental reforms of the current systems for children and young people with SEN.

“We took note of the large number of respondents who expressed concern over the impact of the proposed charge on families, especially those on low incomes.”