CLAIMS that changes to school bus services will save up to £2m have been challenged by campaigners, backed up by an academic and finance specialist.

Oxon School Bus Action Group has disputed claims by Oxfordshire County Council that proposals to charge some parents for school buses would save between £1m and £2m.

The group claims analysis by Oxford University Professor Angus Wilkinson and former council accountant Chris Fyfe suggests actual savings could be as low as £250,000 a year.

The group also claims parents will be forced to play an admissions lottery and that the proposals will damage the county’s economy and increase traffic.

OSBAG co-ordinator Sue Moon said: “OCC’s single objective with these proposals is to save money.

“Our forensic analysis makes a mockery of their claims of £1m to £2m savings.”

County council spokesman Owen Morton said: “If people have feedback to give, we would urge them to respond to the online consultation.

“As we have said before, the exact savings would depend on the pattern of parental choices made following any change to the policy.

“Anyone who would like to find out more or discuss the proposals directly with our officers is encouraged to attend one of the remaining public meetings.”