Derbyshire County Council's on-going consultation on school transport funding does not discriminate against pupils attending faith schools.

On the contrary, it is the current system which is unfair. It discriminates in favour of pupils attending faith schools.

At present if parents choose to send their children to a school which is not their nearest they have to foot the bill.

But if they chose to send them to a school which is not the closest on religious grounds — and it is above two miles away for under eights or three miles for over eights — they get costs covered.

We want to ensure that all children across Derbyshire are treated fairly. That's why we are asking local people to tell us what they think.

We spend over £12m annually on school transport — around £900,000 of it on transport for pupils attending schools on religious grounds. In this area we spend an average of £995 per pupil per year which is much more than some of our neighbouring authorities.

Should we be spending this £900,000 to the advantage of one group of children or should we be using it to support all children?

It may be that local people tell us that they want the system to stay as it is. They might also want us to consider:

* Introducing a charge — up to £300 per year per pupil.

* Continuing with the current system and phasing in charges for new pupils.

Our consultation runs until June 13, 2008. No decisions will be made until we have looked at what local people think.

To tell us what you think go to www.derbyshire.gov.uk or write to: Denominational Transport Consult-ation, CAYA Department, Derbyshire County Council, County Hall, Matlock, DE4 3AG.

CLLR Anne Western,

Cabinet member for Children's Services and Deputy Leader of Derbyshire County Council