Sir – This Government, through the 2006 Education Act, removed council boundaries insofar as distances to the nearest qualifying schools is concerned. As I represent a border ward, I can assure you this has angered many parents as this means some Bradford schools are nearer than Calderdale ones, so a “free” bus pass becomes disqualified.
They can still send their children to schools within the boundary but with no free pass. I suspect it is designed to cut costs.
The Act, a one-inch thick document, gave councils the usual government choice of adopt it (within a tight time limit) or have it imposed. This government is very apt at “hiding” behind local authorities.
If Mrs Ratnik (Letters, December 12) wishes to complain, she can contact the local MPs who represent the Government party.
As for the Greens saying they want “free” bus passes for all schoolchildren, well nothing is free.
Give one sector something without paying and another sector picks up the cost.
Councillor Roger Taylor (Conservative, Northowram and Shelf ward, Calderdale MBC), Glen Terrace, Halifax
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