Pupils currently at school will not be affected by the changes

Torbay Council currently spends about �500,000 on discretionary school transport but hopes to gradually reduce this to �300,000 over five years.

It said it would free up resources after a government cap was put on its planned Council Tax increases.

The policy means some free transport will be kept in place, but some pupils will be asked to pay about �200 a year.

There's no hidden treasure trove of money Chris Lomas

The move follows a consultation period with schools, parents, governors and church leaders, and a review by the council's Scrutiny Committee.

It leaves some discretionary funding in place, such as free transport for pupils on free school meals, and a subsidy for other pupils who will be affected.

However, the subsidy means that students will be asked to contribute about �200 a year towards an estimated total cost of �450.

The new policy will not affect existing school pupils, the council said, and added the money saved would be going back into local education.

But parents at some of the schools affected, including some faith schools, are concerned about the financial impact it will have on them.

Those who have children in faith schools have said any charges would impinge on the freedom to practise their religion.

Councillor Chris Lomas, executive member for Schools, said: "We have had to take some very tough decisions this year in the light of a very tight budget and the recent capping imposed on us.