PARENTS are to lose their right to call on councillors to help them with appeals for school places.

Conservative county councillors in Kent have criticised the plans, describing the Government's decision as disgraceful and undemocratic.

From next year, under changes to the rules on school admission appeals, councillors and other politicians will no longer be able to represent parents at appeal hearings.

Currently, they can do so as the School Admissions Appeals Code allows parents to be accompanied by a friend, adviser or interpreter to any hearing.

But the Department for Children, Schools and Families believes that if a councillor assumes that role, it may lead to a conflict of interests and put panels under "undue" pressure. From next March, it will be illegal for them to do so.

Sevenoaks county councillor John London (Con), a former chairman of KCC, said he was outraged at the move.

"Parents can often find these appeals quite daunting and it helps to have someone who knows what is happening. I think it is outrageous that we are to be prevented from representing our constituents on such an important matter."

He was backed by KCC cabinet member for schools operations Cllr Mark Dance (Con). "It is deeply regrettable and I am very saddened by this."

The DCSF defended the proposals, which are expected to be incorporated into the new code in January and will come into force next March.

In a statement, it said: "There is no reason why a local politican cannot provide parents with advice and guidance in preparing for an appeal hearing.

"The guidance is a fair, transparent system for all parents and will provide a clear framework for local authorities and schools."