DfT ‘funding’ update on free bus passes for over | U.Ok.Finance News
The Department for Transport has responded to growing calls for for bus passengers in England to obtain equal help as these in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. A quickly increasing petition on the parliamentary web site has garnered 63,000 signatures demanding reforms.As it stands, people over 60 in Scotland, NI and Wales benefit from complimentary bus journey. In England, nevertheless, solely sure areas like Merseyside and London offer this perk as a consequence of native authorities missing funds.The petition, accessible right here, with 63,285 supporters states: “We call on the Government to extend free bus travel to all people over 60 years old in England outside London. We believe the current situation is unjust and we want equality for everyone over 60.”It additional argues: “Currently, people in England who do not live in London are not entitled to free bus travel until they reach the state pension age, which we believe has changed dramatically. As people get older some over 60s drive less and less, therefore we believe we need equality on public transport. It would mean England had the same provision as Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.”Labour’s Markus Campbell-Savours raised an official enquiry in Parliament yesterday, questioning Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander “on the implications of providing free bus passes to the over-60s concerning social inclusion, the economy, and the environment.”In response, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Transport Simon Lightwood this week cautioned concerning the attainable financial price of any amendments, but he signalled optimism as a consequence of current funds allocations to native authorities that may very well be used to provide free passes for over 60s.Mr Lightwood replied: “The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age, currently sixty-six.”The ENCTS prices round £700 million yearly and any adjustments to the statutory obligations, would due to this fact need to be rigorously thought-about for its influence on the scheme’s financial sustainability. No evaluation has been made of the potential influence of reducing the age on social inclusion, the economic system or the setting.”Emphasising the versatility within local governance, he added: “Local authorities in England have the ability to offer concessions along with their statutory obligations reminiscent of reducing the age of eligibility. Additional native concessions are offered and funded by native authorities from native assets.”The government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. This includes £243 million for bus operators and £712 million allocated to local authorities across the country. Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services for passengers can be used in whichever way they wish. This could include extending the discretionary concessions available in local areas to support the local economy and environment.”To view the petition and a full response from the Department for Transport click on right here.
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