A REVIEW of supported bus services across Darlington will not take place until later this year.

Darlington Borough Council will carry out an assessment of its 34 supported bus services because of its budget cuts.

The authority said last year it was proposing to cut the number of services its subsidises.

It has now confirmed, as part of more recent information, that the review would not start until May, with new contracts starting in January next year.

Some contracts will cease in October if required, with all remaining existing contracts finishing in January.

Members of the council's cabinet group will agree criteria for the review at its April meeting.

The council's proposal is to reduce its existing budget on bus services by at least £100,000.