Pay out for transport (From Warrington Guardian)

Pay out for transport

FINANCIAL pressure at Cheshire County Council means families may have to fork out to send their children to school.

Three months ago the council agreed in principle to introduce a charging scheme for transport to the county's church aided schools from September 2007 and now parents, schools and key groups are being asked for their views.

Up to 20 voluntary aided or voluntary controlled primary and high schools across mid Cheshire will be affected by the consultation, which means parents could have to pay £50 a term per child towards school bus transport.

Clr David Rowlands said the council faces a 'difficult financial scenario' and officers warn that in the current financial year there will be further pressure on the transport budget.

He said: "In 2005/06 the county council had a total mainstream transport budget of around £8million for its 13,000 pupils.

"Of this, £2million related to transport for 2,680 children to faith schools. The proposed charge is estimated to produce £265,000 towards that bill."

The consultation ends on August 15.