Pupils who attend Catholic and Church of England schools have been struck with another blow after a second council decided to start charging for transport to school.

East Sussex County Council has angered religious leaders by introducing the fees for pupils who live more than three miles from the CofE and Catholic schools they have elected to attend, following a similar move in West Sussex.

Frank Myers, education director for the Catholic diocese of Brighton and Arundel, said: "The motive throughout has been saving money. It has been dressed up as fairness but not a single argument has been put forward to prove the case."

The councils have both traditionally provided free buses, train tickets or taxis for children who live more than three miles away from the nearest school of their religion. In some cases pupils have had to travel significant distances.

East Sussex will charge parents £260 a year, equivalent to half of the cost of a seat on a hired coach.

The fees will only apply to pupils who do not attend their nearest school and will not start until September 2008 .

West Sussex County Council last month introduced annual charges of up to £270 per pupil. Parents and church leaders labelled the move anti- Catholic and anti-faith.

The decision, taken by West Sussex cabinet member Mark Dunn, was called in for review after Mr Myers and more than ten county councillors raised concerns.

A scrutiny committee considered the issue at County Hall in Chichester yesterday. The committee decided to refer the decision back to Coun Dunn to address several issues.

East Sussex County Council said charging for transport would save £300,000 over five years.

Councillor Keith Glazier, responsible for children's services, said: "In coming to our decision we have listened to parents and representatives of denominational schools. It means that we treat all parents fairly and at the same time allow the council to save a significant amount of money."

The cuts have been made as part of a wider review of East Sussex's transport provision.

The council said it would continue to provide free transport for children who live more than three miles from their nearest school, regardless of whether it is a church school or otherwise.

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