SCHOOL transport for younger children could be withdrawn by Thurrock Council in a cost-cutting measure.

Two consultations, the School Transport Consultation for ages eight to 11 which runs until July 2 and the School Transport Consultation for post-16 which will close on June 18, are now online.

The aim of the younger age group consultation is to look at whether the council should withdraw transport for pupils in the age group who live less than three miles from their school - unless families receive certain income-related benefits.

Thurrock Council voluntarily extended its transport service above the level required by law – for example it offers the service from two miles instead of three.

The council is now looking at whether it can continue to do so.

It is also considering whether to withdraw or reduce funding to faith schools or introduce new charges for transport to faith schools from September 2014.

The consultation for the 16 and over group looks two options - whether the council should withdraw its subsidy for post-16 transport and encourage students to take up the offer of a discounted bus pass with effect from September this year, or whether it should increase charges in certain cases to cover the full cost.

Details of both consultations are on the council’s website www.thurrock.gov.uk.