Councillors are set to agree a review of a controversial travel charge for disabled students in Bexley.

Last month councillors quizzed bosses in Bexley over plans to make families pay towards the cost of travel assistance for post-16s with special educational needs or disabilities – a service that is currently free for them.

Bexley taxpayers currently cover the costs, which are on average £4,861 a year – but the council will start charging £400 from next September, meaning families will have to foot eight per cent of the bill.

The decision was ticked off at a cabinet meeting in June, but councillors are on Thursday night expected to approve a review of the scheme once it has been implemented.

According to a council report: “[The scrutiny committee] should have the opportunity to review the implementation and the impact of the current policy and guidance, at a time when it considers appropriate.”

Bexley Voice, a voluntary group of parents and carers of children with special needs and disabilities, have raised concerns about families with low incomes.

Councillors are also expected to agree plans to make schools, colleges and families more aware of bursary opportunities for young people which could help with the costs.

The council is not required to provide free travel arrangements for young people, and bosses said a flat £400 charge was fair to cover parts of the cost.

The cash will go towards transport assistance to schools and colleges, which can mean the use of  ‘pick-up points’, a personal travel assistance budget paid to parents and carers, independent travel training, or council-run transport vehicles.

Neighbouring boroughs such as Kent and Essex already charge £400 and £900 respectively for similar services.

Councillors are expected to agree the recommendations, which come from a special meeting last month, on Thursday.

The charges start next September.