Wandsworth Council has apologised after mishandling school transport for an autistic child.

The council was criticised for not considering the specific needs of the child, known as D, when denying a request for taxi transport with a Passenger Assistant (PA) for school.

The complaint was brought by D's father, Mr. Y, who highlighted that the council failed to consider their family’s circumstances and safety concerns.

The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman found several faults in the council's actions.

These included not seeking Mr. Y’s consent before offering a Travel Assistance Budget (TAB), which is required, and basing the decision on the unavailability of taxi services rather than D’s specific needs.

The council also failed to properly consider D’s Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP), which specifies the need for supervision by two adults in the community.

Proper documentation of the appeal panel hearing was also missing.

The council has now agreed to take several actions to rectify these faults.

Within four weeks, it will provide a formal apology to Mr. Y and pay £100 in compensation for the unnecessary time and trouble caused.

The council will also reassess D’s transport application, considering D’s Special Educational Needs (SEN), EHCP needs, and family circumstances.

If the original decision is upheld, a new appeal with a fresh panel will be offered, and the process will be properly documented.

Staff will be reminded to consider applicants’ specific circumstances in transport decisions and to provide clear explanations of decisions.

Consent must also be obtained before offering travel expenses like a TAB.

The Ombudsman concluded there was fault causing injustice to Mr. Y and D, but the agreed actions are considered sufficient to remedy the issues identified.