The cost of providing free bus passes and transport for schoolchildren in Warwickshire has increased by £30 million, Warwickshire County Council (WCC) has revealed.

The local authority is set to launch a seven-week consultation on possible changes to its 'home to school transport policy' after a review was approved by the Reform-led cabinet.

Now proposed to be renamed the 'children's and young people's travel assistance policy', the council is looking to find savings in the service which cost £47.11 million last year.

This is a huge increase from the £17.9 million spent on the service in 2018/19.

WCC said it currently helps 10,000 youngsters get to school across 500 different routes.

Changes could introduce stricter assessments of those who are eligible for support 

"The proposed changes are part of a broader effort to ensure the service remains sustainable while also aligning with updated statutory guidance issued by the Department for Education," the local authority said. 

"The aim is to make the policy clearer, consistent and more efficient, so that support is targeted to where it's needed most to meet the needs of Warwickshire's children and young people."

Details of the consultation will be published in due course.

Following this week's cabinet meeting during which the plans were discussed, the Liberal Democrats have claimed the consultation is just a box-ticking exercise.

"Reform say that they plan to cut the costs which have increased too much in recent years and yet they also say they know how important it is is for families living with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities," Cllr Richard Dickson said.

"Reform are launching a consultation in November, where they say they want to hear from residents.

"Yet judging by their statements it seems they've already made up their minds what they're going to do.

"Liberal Democrats will stand up for parents and for SEND service providers for whom home-to-school transport is essential."