Parents are still forking out for their children's travel passes, despite the closure of schools.

Kent County Council is urging them not to cancel the direct debits while "the picture remains unclear" following the latest national Covid-19 lockdown.

But that has angered one mum from Aylesham, near Canterbury, who says it is unfair the authority is still charging families for the school service they cannot use.

Vicky Richards' 15-year-old daughter had been getting the bus from the village to the Canterbury Academy until the schools closure was announced earlier this week.

She says the £45 direct debit was taken from her account at the end of December, just a few days before the new lockdown.

Miss Richards, 36, says she is furloughed from her job at Primark which has hit the family income.

"A lot parents around Kent like myself are furloughed for the third time and yet still having to pay for their children to get to school through KCC's young person's travel pass," she said.

"Last time around they offered a small refund of £10. However this time, with payments still due, we're paying out £45 a month even though our children can't go to school.

"KCC are refusing to reimburse parents or refund them what they should. This isn't right, I've tried emailing but haven't had any responses and it's leaving parents to struggle financially."

During the first school closures, parents were given small refunds but are now being told not to cancel their direct debits.

A county council spokesman said: "We know the closure of schools to the majority of pupils will reasonably raise questions with parents about the Travel Saver schemes, future payments and any goodwill gesture/payment for lost benefit.

"Until it is clear when schools are to reopen and if there is to be any subsequent changes to the school term pattern afterwards, it is impossible to consider what adjustments might be needed.

"As soon as the picture is clearer and decisions can be made, we will let people who purchased a Travel Saver know.

"For the time being, we would encourage people not to take any action such as cancelling direct debits as this could affect the validity of passes when schools reopen."

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