Free ride to school may end

Jan 14 2009 by Dave Black, The Journal

CONTROVERSIAL bus charges for A-level students could return because of Northumberland’s budget problems.

The Liberal Democrat--run county fulfilled an election pledge last year by axing the £360 annual charge for a bus pass for college students and sixth formers who commute more than three miles.

Scrapping the charge – described as an unfair tax on rural families – has sent the number on school buses up from fewer than 800 early last year to more than 2,000 now. But yesterday the decision came under fire from opposition councillors, who called for a rethink as the new unitary authority plans to save £25.5m, axe 800 jobs and raise council tax 4.8%.

Lib Dem executive member for corporate services Coun Andrew Tebbutt told the strategic services scrutiny committee he was willing to review the decision in consultation on the “painful” 2009/10 budget.

He said: “This was a political decision and we were not the only party that made that commitment in our manifesto. We will review this and if I believe it makes sense, I will change my mind, although I can’t speak for my colleagues.”

Post-16 charges began six years ago, despite claims they were unfair to rural families and a disincentive for teenagers to stay on at school.

Last summer’s move to free travel will cost £800,000 a year. Independent Coun Paul Kelly told the scrutiny meeting it should change. Even at £360, the charge had not hit numbers staying at school.

He said: “There is no such thing as a free lunch, and somebody always has to pay for someone else’s privilege.

“We should set a fair rate for post-16 transport so that people at least contribute to the cost.”

For previous stories about the issue, click the links below
School transport fees are scrapped
Free school buses cost Northumberland £500,000