Another hike in the cost of a travel pass for secondary school children is being planned, we can reveal.

Kent County Council has confirmed that there will be an increase in the Young Person’s Travel Pass as part of its efforts to balance its budget in the face of government grant cuts.

However, transport chiefs say they have yet to decide how much more students will have to pay and are in discussions with the bus companies about the costs.

The pass currently costs £250 but KCC says it is unable to continue to subsidise the scheme to the same extent.

The pass - previously known as the Freedom Pass - has proved hugely popular since its introduction.

Around 24,300 passes are issued to 11-to-16-year-olds and KCC allocated £8.7m to the scheme last year but is proposing a cut of about £300,000 to £8.4m.

Any increase is likely to face a hostile reaction and may lead to questions about whether it is affordable. Last year, KCC agreed a 25% increase.

Cllr Matthew Balfour, KCC cabinet member for roads, said the rise would largely be determined by bus operators.

He said: “The pass is entirely discretionary, with KCC receiving no government funding to run the scheme.

"No decisions have been made on the cost of passes from September as we continue to review the potential impact of bus company costs" - Cllr Matthew Balfour

"The fees paid by parents for the pass pays a third of the cost of the scheme and KCC funds the rest, a cost of more than £8m to the Kent taxpayer.”

He added: “We know it is something residents appreciate and we want to continue to offer it to parents, as it represents excellent value compared to the cost of normal bus travel.”

“No decisions have been made on the cost of passes from September as we continue to review the potential impact of bus company costs.”

The pass can be used to travel on Kent's bus network between 6am to 7pm from Monday to Friday. The council has trimmed back its use during the holidays.

Concessions are available and it currently costs £100 for some families on low incomes, and is free for those in care, care leavers and young carers.

A decision on the increase is expected in March.