Norfolk County Council's annual spend on home-to-school transport has reached £73 million, Cabinet heard at its August meeting — a figure that prompted immediate questions from members about how it could be reduced.

The Cabinet Member for Commercial Assets and Revenue Generation raised the cost during discussion of the council's latest financial monitoring report, asking what steps were being taken to bring the bill down.

The Cabinet Member for Children, Families and SEND, Cllr Wendy Atkinson, said a "deep dive" review of the service was already under way. She outlined several areas under consideration, including new route planning software, a fresh procurement exercise, and a review of transport provision for students aged over 16.

The council is also reviewing its discretionary application and appeals process — the system by which families can request transport that goes beyond the council's statutory obligations.

The £73 million figure covers transport for children who are entitled to free travel to school, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and those who live beyond the statutory walking distance from their nearest school.

The review comes as the council seeks to maintain a balanced budget for 2026-27. Cabinet noted it was currently forecasting a balanced revenue position for the year, though Children's Services was managing around £3.3 million in spending pressures, offset by savings and management actions elsewhere.