PLANNED increases to transport charges for post-16 students in the Craven area have been put on ice.

North Yorkshire County Council had intended upping the costs across the region from September this year.

But the authority has now decided to defer its proposals.

A spokesman said: "Whilst these plans had continued to afford levels of protection to particular groups, we are keen to ensure any further changes do not impact adversely on the take-up of post-16 education as a result of either income or rurality.

"We are very aware of pressures on family budgets and the issues of school transport across our rural areas and have given these matters a great deal of thought.

"If further changes are needed they will be subject to additional public consultation."

The council has charged for post-16 transport since 2006 but it says the levy does not cover the full costs.

"With the need to make significant savings we gave careful consideration last autumn to the options for post-16 transport while seeking not to disadvantage rural areas and to protect low-income families and those with special educational needs," the spokesman added.

"In the light of growing evidence of both the financial impact of changes introduced previously and efficiencies through re-procurement, we have decided to defer consideration of further proposed increases to transport charges."