I may have missed this but whose claim qualifies for the car? If the car is for a specific child, it’d be harder to justify school transportation for that child, as @kezo says, the councils have cottoned onto the fact the car should be for their use. If it’s for an adult’s use, then getting transport for the children could save you several problems. There are 5 seater EVs that fit both the bill and requirements. For example the Enyaq will do the range and the grant covers the SE L with the plus pack. However, the 5 seater problem remains.
Disabled should get transport under the equality act, but as you say LA’s have cottoned on if you have a Motability car for that child, that its down to you to transport your child because you have a “free” car and the parent should give up work to provide such a service for the fre of charge. That is not how it works, but because councils are cash straped, they are looking at more and more ways to try it on.
I have had several dealings with my LA of which I have documented if you cast your mind back on here. One of the best, was having a meeting with the head of procurement, who said because we have a Motability car it removes the LA’s responsibility bacause its classed as free transport!! My reply was simple saying its not free, it costs me in her sacrified benefit amounting to over £11k and an AP from my own money £2300, plus lost earning of not being able to work, so how do you expect me to put food in her mouth, clothe her and pay for fuel to taker her back and forth! In the end our MP and MS knocked some common sense into the LA.
So imo you do not take the councils word for it without seeking advice.
Fast forward to 2 years ago, the LA removed transport again without option (not the only parent) and awaeded us a set rate per mile and a £10 for doing it, which was deemed as a budget benefit and cleared by Motability – Hence the PHEV.