Breaking Barriers: Oldham Group's bold plan for free school transport

The Oldham Group is leading the way with a groundbreaking proposal to guarantee free school travel for children living in temporary accommodation.

Councillor Shoab Akhtar has tabled a powerful motion at this week’s Oldham Council meeting, calling for the borough to become the first in Greater Manchester to guarantee free school travel for all children living in temporary accommodation, regardless of statutory distance thresholds. 

The motion, seconded by Councillor Naveed Chowhan, aims to close a critical policy gap that currently leaves many children facing long, complex, and costly journeys to school—often without support—after being rehoused due to housing instability. 

Councillor Akhtar said: “No child should be punished for their family’s housing situation. This motion is about fairness, compassion, and ensuring that every child in Oldham has the stability they need to succeed in education, no matter where they sleep at night.” 

As of March 31, 2025, Oldham had 562 households in temporary accommodation, including 310 households with children. Many families remain in placements far longer than the intended six-week period, with some staying six months to two years in Bed and Breakfast and nightly-paid units. 

Despite national transport laws offering support based on mileage, safety, or special educational needs, many children in temporary accommodation fall outside these criteria—yet still face significant barriers to attending their original schools. 

The motion calls for: 

• Free school travel (bus pass or taxi) for all school-aged children in temporary accommodation, regardless of distance. 

• A 12-week review by Children’s Services, Education, and Transport teams to define eligibility, delivery models, and funding options. 

• Integration with existing safeguarding and SEND travel support to ensure continuity. 

Funding options will be explored, including Homelessness Prevention grants, partnerships with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), and targeted charitable support. 

While six Greater Manchester MPs have backed a regional campaign for free bus passes for children in temporary accommodation, no Greater Manchester local authority has yet adopted a borough-wide concession.  

If passed, Oldham’s motion would set a precedent for compassionate policy leadership across the region. 

“This is about educational continuity, mental wellbeing, and dignity,” added Councillor Akhtar. “Oldham has the opportunity to lead Greater Manchester in protecting our most vulnerable children. Let’s be the borough that puts children first.” 

The motion will be debated and voted on at the upcoming council meeting. If approved, officers will report back within 12 weeks with a detailed implementation plan, aiming to launch the scheme before the next academic term.