Calderdale Council is offering to meet with families following public outcry at the scrapping of transport for young carers.

The Courier revealed yesterday that the borough’s young carers have been told council transport to get them to and from activity sessions is being axed.

There was a strong reaction from readers, with many shocked and outraged by the news.

"This is appalling, these children are carers, these sessions allow them to be just children not carers,” said one.

As reported yesterday, a message from Calderdale Young Carers – seen by the Courier - says increasing demand and staffing pressures mean changes need to be made to transport arrangements.

You can read yesterday’s story here: 'We recognise that these changes may present challenges': Council axes transport for Calderdale young carers

The message says: "From October 1, parents/carers will be responsible for transporting their child to and from Young Carers sessions.”

Concerns have been raised that some young carers, who already have difficult challenges to overcome, rely on the council transport because of the nature of their parent’s or sibling’s circumstances, and this change could mean they miss out.

The Calderdale Council service supports children and young people, aged between eight and 18, who live with and help to care for someone who has physical or mental health problems, learning difficulties, or drug or alcohol problems.

The sessions involve the chance to meet other young carers and help shape service changes or improvements and future planning.

These concerns were echoed by Courier readers, with one saying: “These aren’t just any kids. They’re children and teenagers already carrying responsibilities most of us never had to deal with at their age and probably never will as adults either.”

Another said: “This is ridiculous. Without transport, young carers simply won’t be able to access support. If a young carer is helping to look after a parent, how are they supposed to take them?

"If there’s a disabled sibling, parents (especially single parents) can’t just take them as well or leave them - so what are they supposed to do?

"Shocking that the council chooses to neglect some of the most vulnerable children and young people.”

The message did add that the service recognised the move “may present challenges for some families” and it would “consider individual circumstances and endeavour to make alternative arrangements where possible”.

Today, Calderdale Council has offered to meet with young carers’ families to listen to their concerns.

"Calderdale Council is aware there’s significant concern from some parents, carers and their families about a decision regarding transport arrangements that supports activities for young carers, following a recent communication to those that use the service,” it has posted.

"Councillor Tim Holden (lead member for Children and Young People), is keen to provide an opportunity to meet with families who receive this service, along with Martyn Stenton (director of Children and Young People’s Services), to listen to these concerns directly from families.”

The post adds that Coun Holden and Mr Stenton will write to families on Monday “to ensure there is an opportunity to listen to concerns and assure that transport will still be provided where needed for young people to attend activities”.

Calderdale Reform – which took over the running of Calderdale Council in May – has blamed council officers for the transport decision but said it “appears entirely reasonable”.

"This was a decision by council officers and not by us as political leads but it appears an entirely reasonable one in the context of rising demand and the need to get the budget under control,” they have posted on their Facebook page.