Welsh Liberal Democrat Councillors Clair Powell and Liam Fitzpatrick have warned of possible major changes to schools throughout Powys should the revised Home to School Transport Policy be approved.

Following a report to the council’s people scrutiny committee which took written evidence from a number of councillors, the problem was highlighted by a question raised by Bronllys Councillor Clair Powell.

Cllr Powell raised the issue of the revised policy potentially resulting in hundreds of pupils having their allocated schools changed from the one they are currently attending.

Cllr Powell said “This policy for example would affect children from Gwenddwr in my ward that currently attend Gwernyfed High School. They would no longer be able to access free transport to Gwernyfed High School but would be able to access free transport to Builth Wells High School as that is nearer. Whilst this will help some families that are currently paying for transport to Builth High School this would affect all those children who currently attend Gwernyfed High School.

Cllr Fitzpatrick said “This issue will affect hundreds of children and parents, not only in my ward of Talybont but also in neighbouring wards of Llangors and Bwlch and across the whole of Powys. This could lead to parents having to pay hundreds of pounds a year to travel to their current allocated school if another school is closer. The problem is particularly evident in Llangors where the children have for many years attend Gwernyfed High School, using free transport. As a consequence of this revised policy they would only be offered free transport to Brecon High School.

Cllr Powell said “I am very fearful for the potential knock on consequences should this revised policy be given the go ahead. If hundreds of pupils are forced to change schools as free transport is no longer available to the school they currently attend, this could have a dramatic impact on the viability of certain High Schools. I will be seeking an urgent meeting with the Governors of Gwernyfed High School to discuss this matter.

Cllr Fitzpatrick said “Along with Cllr Powell I will be raising this issue as a matter of urgency with the Chief Executive of Powys County Council, Kirsty Williams AM and Roger Williams MP.

   Leave a comment