CONTROVERSIAL changes to school transport for children with disabilities will go ahead.

Keighley MP Kris Hopkins this week criticised a lack of communication over the move and said those in most need must receive support.

Currently, around 4,300 children – many of whom have disabilities or special needs – are given free transport to and from special or mainstream schools.

But Bradford Council wants to slash its annual £13.1 million school transport bill, which includes £4 million spent each year on taxis.

Under the plans, some of the children will be given special training to use public transport, and others will be expected to share taxis or travel in minibuses.

Parent Sally Skipper said the consultation process had been badly managed and the vast majority of affected parents wouldn’t know about the changes, due to be phased in from September.

Mr Hopkins said: "I accept that this is a decision the council will not have taken lightly.

"However it is clear that a better job could have been done in communicating the changes, which are now just weeks away from being introduced. This must be swiftly addressed.

"Also, those in greatest need must continue to receive the assistance they require."