Planned cuts to free school transport in Caerphilly county mean some children are facing the prospect of walking six miles a day. The county council's cabinet has agreed to pursue changes which will only affect secondary-aged pupils.

Secondary pupils currently qualify for free transport if they live more than two miles from their school but this could increase to three miles. The proposals mean affected pupils may face round trips of up to six miles on foot but the council has said this is in line with the Welsh Government’s rules on statutory transport provision.

The council argues its spending on school transport has ballooned from £6.4million in 2015 to an estimated £12million in 2024 and costs “are continuing to increase”. Councillor Carol Andrews, cabinet member for education, said the council’s current policy was “generous” and that Caerphilly was one of only three local authorities in Wales still providing transport above the statutory minimum.

Senior transport officer Kelly Adams said spending on the service had increased “significantly” due to rising fuel prices, an industry-wide shortage of drivers, and the impact of inflation affecting all aspects of the sector. And the council's head of education planning, Sue Richards, pointed out the number of pupils with additional learning needs (ALN) had risen, meaning more expensive transport arrangements. ALN pupils will not be affected by any changes.

After nearly 1,000 people took part in a public consultation, primary-aged children were spared from the changes. More than 400 respondents said the new policy would result in them relying on a car.

The council cannot make any changes until a “safe route assessment” is completed for each walking route. An “experienced” specialist will be paid an estimated £192,500 for this work, which is expected to conclude in July for a final decision on the proposed changes. Councillor Sean Morgan, the council leader, said it was “very important we are not marking our own homework” when the assessments are carried out. The council expects to save nearly £1.1million if it makes the proposed cuts.