The challenges faced by homeless families in Greater Manchester have come to the forefront as thousands of children navigate complex and lengthy commutes to school. One particularly stark example is the experience of Tosin Balogun and her two children, who previously endured a daily journey of 65 minutes on two buses from Stretford to Harpurhey, a distance of only six miles. The family was uprooted from their home in Gorton three years ago when their landlord issued an eviction notice, stating that repairs could not be made unless they vacated the property.
After being temporarily housed by the Manchester council in Stretford, Balogun’s children faced immense stress associated with their commute to Manchester Communication Academy. When recounting their daily routine, Tosin noted, “We used to leave home at 6:30 am to get to school for 8:15 am,” adding that full buses often forced them to wait for another. If everything went smoothly, the journey could still take around an hour, but delays were common.
Despite the hardships, the Balogun family did not qualify for free school transport due to government regulations. According to current guidelines, children are eligible for free transport only if they live more than two miles from school and there is no suitable school closer to their residence. With over 8,000 children in temporary accommodation across the city region, families often face a difficult choice: pay for bus fares or change schools. Tosin opted to continue paying for transport to maintain her children’s enrollment in their current school.
Advocacy by local media has highlighted the inequity faced by these families. The Manchester Evening News has called on Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, to implement a free bus pass for children in temporary accommodation who live more than 30 minutes’ walk from school. This campaign has garnered support from eight local MPs, six of whom belong to Burnham’s Labour Party, along with several charities and concerned residents who have signed a petition.
In a notable response, Manchester Communication Academy began subsidizing bus fares for some homeless children after learning about the Balogun family’s struggles. The school utilized a £10,000 grant from the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity to cover bus tickets, staff training, and other essential resources for newly homeless families.
On December 3, 2023, Burnham expressed sympathy for families like the Baloguns but refrained from committing to the proposed bus passes. He indicated that the local authorities are exploring various support options, stating, “What might open the door is we are moving to a more interventionist space as a combined authority.” He acknowledged the challenges faced by families in temporary housing and assured that discussions on the budget would address these issues.
The daily commute for children like Tosin’s can be both cold and chaotic, especially in the early hours of December mornings. The journey through Stretford involves navigating busy roads and crowded buses, adding to the anxiety of reaching school on time. The first bus ride often leads to Piccadilly Gardens, where students then must walk to Shudehill for a connecting service. Arrival at Manchester Communication Academy by 8:25 am is crucial, as students arriving before 8:00 am are eligible for a free breakfast.
Despite the logistical challenges, the school promotes resilience among its students. Signs outlining the trust’s values, including ‘grit,’ serve as a reminder of the determination required to overcome such obstacles. However, the financial burden of transportation remains significant. If the Balogun family were to repeat their previous commute, it would cost at least £5.33 per day, considering the price of a monthly bus pass.
While recent changes to the public transport system, such as the introduction of the Bee Network, have simplified ticketing and reduced costs, families in similar situations still face substantial monthly expenses just to fulfill their educational commitments. This reality has led many, including Tosin and various local advocates, to call for change. They argue that no parent should have to choose between affording transport and ensuring their children receive a proper education.
As the holiday season approaches, the Manchester Evening News continues to urge Mayor Burnham to take action. The hope is that addressing these transport issues will alleviate some of the burdens faced by homeless families and ensure that education remains accessible to all children in Greater Manchester.
