'Most in county' back travel fees for faith schools

The controversial decision to make charges is due to be reconsidered by a select committee next month, under the council's call-in procedure.

But Cllr Mark Dunn, cabinet member for children and young people's services, faced questions from county councillors over the impact of charging, if it goes ahead.

Cllr Morwen Millson asked how fully the implications for other schools had been taken into account. "If there is a sudden surge in the future of parents deciding not to send children to denominational schools, has a full assessment been made to see if other schools can cope with the increase in numbers?" she demanded.

Cllr Dunn said this matter was certainly looked into. "I would like to stress that the decision I have taken is moderate, proportionate and to be tapered in gently," he said. "I shall be extremely surprised if there is any tidal shift in parental preferences for faith schools as a result of it."

He was removing a subsidy which had been in place for many years. West Sussex was becoming rather conspicuous by having it. But he would listen with care to the call-in process.

Cllr Chris Mullins said he was concerned about the effect the cost would have on some families. "What is the real saving to the county council, given that poorer families on benefits will not have to pay charges, but families just above the benefit level will have to pay?"

Cllr Dunn said spending on denominational transport was 850,000 a year. In the first year of the charging scheme, the saving would be 50,000, in the second year 126,000 and in the third year 202,000. By 2013, the target was to save half the annual cost.

"This is a gentle introduction of charges," he declared. He was introducing charges, not withdrawing denominational transport - opponents of the scheme had not done their homework.

Cllr Brian Hall said the cost per child would be 270 a year, and someone had to earn 400 to pay this.

Cllr Dunn said he was satisfied the county council had been 'fair and reasonable'. "I am aware there will be a limited number of people on the margin, but for the greater good I have to carry the policy forward," he added. "The county council has a very sympathetic and gentle attitude to faith schools."

Cllr Hall suggested the introduction of the scheme should be delayed, given the limited saving of just 50,000 in the first year.

Cllr Dunn responded: "It's very easy to be generous with other people's money, and I don't intend to fall into that trap."

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