Midlothian Council U-turn on school tranport plan
Changes to school transport rules – which sparked an uproar among parents – have been officially dropped.
In January, Midlothian Council decided to increase the distance a pupil lives from school to qualify for free transport from two miles to three, as a cost-cutting measure.
But there was a furious reaction to the plans – which had been set to come into effect next term – with many parents contacting The Advertiser.
A motion signed by Labour councillors Peter Boyes and Jim Muirhead, presented at a meeting of full council last week, said the change would cause "unacceptable hardship to pupils" and asked for a return to the two mile limit.
Members unanimously agreed to overturn the decision, which had been expected to produce cost savings of 16,000.
A 200 annual charge for pupils who do not qualify for free transport will still go ahead.
Full story in this week's Midlothian Advertiser - on sale now.
What do you think of the council's decision to drop the plan? Add your comments below.
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