News Release

16th April 2002

NO FUNDING FOR PENSIONER BUS PASSES

Following the receipt of a number of letters from pensioners in the Lichfield constituency, Michael Fabricant contacted ministers to investigate whether they will honour their election pledge to provide free bus passes for all pensioners. Now, in a letter to Michael Fabricant, the Minister (Sally Keeble MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at Stephen Byers' Department of Transport, Local Government, and the Regions) has said "the Government cannot ignore the cost" and goes on to refuse any additional funding.

Nevertheless, Ms Keeble says "I agree that concessionary travel schemes are important in allowing many people - especially pensioners - a chance to travel which they might not otherwise be able to afford". She goes on to say "Of course local authorities are able to provide free bus and train travel for pensioners.... if they choose, ..... but anything provided over and above the statutory minimum standard is very much at their own discretion".

Michael Fabricant now says "This is a disappointing reply. Once again, the Government has made a commitment which it will not honour. Instead, it has thrown the whole issue back to local councils which are already strapped for funds arising from additional burdens thrust on them by the Government. The Government's 'best value programme' costs smaller districts, such as Lichfield District Council, a huge proportion of their budget which might otherwise be used on projects such as the provision of free bus passes for pensioners. I believe it is unreasonable for a Government Minister such as Ms Keeble to say that the Government believes this to be a good idea, but then throw the cost back on local council tax payers."