COUNCIL bosses in Monmouthshire were told to re-think the controversial decision to charge post-16 pupils for school transport at a heated meeting yesterday.

The move to charge a flat rate of £200 per pupil from September would be a backward one and could affect the viability of sixth forms and colleges, it was claimed.

The cabinet's decision to introduce the scheme was called in by three councillors and was discussed at a meeting of Monmouthshire's lifelong learning and leisure select committee.

Councillor Roger Harris, who was one of those to get the decision reviewed, said: "It is cutting choices for pupils as the number of courses will be reduced and the viability of them will be affected. It is short-term gain for long-term pain."

At the meeting a move by Councillor Douglas Edwards to have a wider public consultation by referring the decision to full council was lost and the committee voted to send the policy back to the cabinet. It will now be re-considered by the cabinet on June 29.

Councillor Edwards, who also signed the call-in notice, said there were 17 counties in Wales who did not charge for post-16 education transport and was worried that some families may have difficulty paying £200 a year per child.

"We have one of the lowest per capita incomes in Wales," he said.

"This Conservative- controlled authority has voted the budget in, but I'm sure the £50,000 can be saved elsewhere. I propose we vote against this decision and widen the consultation process."

Councillor Bob Wilcox, the third member responsible for the call-in, felt the consultation exercise had been poorly managed.

He said: "This council's budget has done nothing for rural areas."

The scheme will affect 375 pupils in the first year, rising to 750 in the second year; only new intake to the sixth form will be charged.

Paula Ham, head of resources and performance management of the lifelong learning and leisure directorate, said: "The costs equate to only £1.05 a day.

"We will still be subsidising students £630 each per year."