Original by North Wales Pioneer - http://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/16417685.aberconwy-am-janet-fin…

Following Conwy council's consultation on possible changes to post-16 educational transport, Amberconwy's AM has called on the Welsh Government to help keep the free services going.

Proposed changes could see families pay for previously free transport for their 16 year-old or older children to attend college or school. Or be forced to find an alternative method all together.

Aberconwy AM, Janet Finch-Saunders, said: "Conwy County Borough Council (CCBC) have a right to consult on how tax payers’ money is spent, and in particular question the possibility of making up to £420,000 in savings by stopping or limiting non-mandatory spending on providing free transport for pupils receiving post-16 education.

“Since the announcement of the consultation, I have been contacted by a number of concerned constituents.

"What is clear to me and them is that the preferred and fair option is for the Council to continue to provide free transport.

"I am fully aware of the fact that the amount of funding being sent by the Welsh Government to local authorities across Wales is placing many, including Conwy, under serious pressure to make savings.

"Consequently, in addition to calling on the Council to not pursue the scrapping of free post-16 travel, I think that the Welsh Government has a role to play too."

“Last year, my Welsh Conservative colleagues and I were pleased to announce our plans to provide all 16-24 year olds with free bus travel, if we were to form the Welsh Government.

"Whilst I hope to see this exciting offer to young people come to fruition following the 2021 election, in the meantime, I have called on the First Minister to consider amending the problematic Measure and help local authorities finance transport for learners in post-16 education".