Charging for concessionary school bus passes will be reviewed before coming into force next year.

Pembrokeshire County Council planned to start charging for school transport passes for those travelling to out of catchment schools or under the statutory distance for free travel from January 2020.

Implementation of the £2 a day charge was put on hold due to Covid-19, a report to Monday’s cabinet states.

It is now proposed to be brought in from April 2021 but Clr. Paul Miller, cabinet member for economy, tourism, leisure and culture called for it to be reviewed to see if it could be scrapped.

He said on Monday that the gap between the income from concessionary pass charges and the cost of collecting it had “narrowed” with fewer spare places on buses due to the need for social distancing and that cabinet should “reconsider” its previous decision.

This was supported by Clr. Neil Prior, cabinet member for transformation and IT who agreed it was “different world out there” but time was needed to consider fully the financial implications of removing concessionary charging.

The concessionary passes are temporary and “can be withdrawn at any time” a report to cabinet states, with the reduced seating available resulting in an increase in complaints and appeals.

A revised school transport policy will be published which brings school admissions and transport closer together, with parents made more aware of eligibility for free transport before making admission applications.

The wording on safe walking routes, and public service buses, as well as in relation to post 16 education with some schools no longer having sixth forms, has also been revised.

Cabinet approved a revised school transport policy on October 5 with an amendment that the decision on charging for concessionary passes be reconsidered with a further report.