EA Taxi Bills Soar: £83/Mile Charged

The Education Authority (EA) is under scrutiny for its escalating taxi expenses, with reported payments reaching up to £83 per mile for essential student transportation. In the most recent financial year, the EA disbursed over £20 million to a mere five taxi operators, highlighting a concentration of spending.

This financial burden has doubled in the past five years, with the total annual taxi bill now surpassing £40 million. This surge in costs significantly contributes to the EA's reported £300 million budget shortfall, prompting calls for immediate action and renegotiation of rates. The increase is partly attributed to a rise in pupils with Special Educational Needs requiring specialized transport.

Officials express serious concern, noting that the EA has been aware of these rising costs for years without sufficient intervention. The situation is complicated by the fact that a significant portion of the cost is driven by the increasing number of children with Special Educational Needs who require transport, often over longer distances due to limited local provision. This has led to urgent discussions about finding a sustainable balance between operator profitability and fiscal responsibility.