A YOUTH councillor has defended Flintshire Council's proposed school transport policy.

Shaun Hingston, who represents young people in his own constituency of Saltney and from across Flintshire, said that although the options put forward by Flintshire County Council are not ideal, they are necessary in the face of the financial troubles the local authority is experiencing.

The 16-year-old ran in 2018 to be the member of the Welsh Youth Parliament for Alyn and Deeside in its first round of historic elections and he said he has in the past criticised Welsh Government for the decrease in funding.

He added: "The plans are unfortunate, and nobody wants to have to resort to them, but there is no sustainable alternative. County Hall does not have a money tree that can solve all of our problems."

The comments come after a consultation has been launched as part of a review which could see free travel removed for students in post-16 education in Flintshire.

Introducing an annual charge of between £150 to £450 is one of six options being considered by the local authority as it faces mounting financial pressures.

The current policy allows free transport for students attending full time courses, as long as they live three miles or further from their nearest suitable school or college.

Flintshire Councillors are now seeking views on several possibilities, including whether to bring in fees for all schools and colleges, stop the service entirely or keep it as it is.

Another option includes introducing charges, but waiving them for individual groups, such as students who receive free school meals and those attending Welsh medium and faith schools.

Mr Hingston said: "I support any solution or policy that provides the necessary help to families who may struggle financially, whilst also supporting efforts of the Council to draw back on large scale discretionary expenditures whilst experiencing the financial troubles that we are seeing become a serious problem."