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9. Applying for Travel Assistance from the Council

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Applying for Travel Assistance from the Council

  1. For your eligibility to be assessed, either you or your parents/carers must complete the application form accessed via the Cognus website. Find the travel assistance application [External Link]. 

  2. Once the completed form has been received, you or your parents/carers will be advised in writing of the Council’s decision. This is typically within 20 working days from receipt, but may be longer if it is necessary to allow time to take professional advice or consult with you or your parents/carers. 

  3. If assistance with travel is agreed, it is the responsibility of the Council to allocate travel assistance which is suitable and appropriate for your needs. The options typically offered are described in section 6, above.

  4. The most suitable form of travel assistance will usually be implemented within 10 working days following the decision to provide assistance. If you or your parent/carer does not accept the travel assistance offered, this can be challenged through the Decision Review Process, outlined in section 10, below. While the review is being undertaken, the applicant  will remain responsible for the journey to the place of learning.

  5. In general, assistance will be agreed for the current academic year only. When an application is received during the summer term, a decision will be made for the current term and for the following academic year, so long as you are continuing at the same place of learning.

  6. You or your parent/carer must re-apply for assistance each year during the Summer term (April to July) to allow for review your eligibility for assistance, and the type of assistance that is required. For example, you may be ready to start independent travel training. If you or your parents/carers do not re-apply, we will assume that travel assistance is no longer required. 

  7. Whenever changes occur, such as change of placement or home address, travel assistance provision must be reapplied for. 

  8. It should be noted that if you are currently eligible for assistance, this is no guarantee that you will continue to be eligible in the future. The Council reserves the right to review travel requirements outside the annual application process in order to safeguard its duty to ensure the efficient use of resources.

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