COUNCIL chiefs have agreed to end free home to school transport for some students and to charge more for care alarms as it continues to grapple with budget cuts.

Durham County Council’s cabinet today (Wednesday, March 16) endorsed an increased contribution for its community alarm system, meaning a 20p a week increase for customers who already pay for the service, taking the weekly charge from £4.60 to £4.80.

A contributory charge of £2.80 a week will also be introduced for anyone who does not currently pay for the service, because they receive means-tested benefits.

Members were told the charges are being changed to allow the service to become more self-sufficient, as the council is forced to meet a savings target of £257 million by 2020.

Anyone no longer able to afford the service will be directed to Social Care Direct for an assessment so that appropriate support is offered to those in greatest need.

The cabinet also agreed the removal of automatic entitlement to free home to school transport for some students – saving about £740,000 by 2019.

The changes will mean the removal of the automatic entitlement to free transport for pupils in years 10 and 11 who move house during these exam years, post-16 students who do not have access to viable public transport and post-16 students who can't travel independently due to a medical condition or disability.

The changes would only apply to new applicants from September 2016 and in cases where there are exceptional circumstances the council will continue to look at whether assistance can be provided.

Those currently in receipt of free home to school transport until the existing arrangements – about 334 young people - will continue to do so until they reach the end of their course.