At Prime Minister’s Questions on September 11, the Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer faced scrutiny when he did not dismiss the idea of revising the free bus pass scheme for over State Pension aged individuals. This debate emerged following a challenge from Conservative MP Louie French to “rule out scrapping concessionary travel fares and Council Tax discounts” that could affect millions of UK pensioners.
The occurred against the backdrop of existing strain for many State Pensioners shocked by the Labour Government’s recent decision to address the public finance ‘black hole’, now projected at £40 billion, by limiting Winter Fuel Payments to approximately 1.5 million recipients this year, consequently leaving over 10 million seniors without up to £300 in aid for the winter season. However, amid concerns, the Department for Transport has provided assurance that there are “absolutely no plans to withdraw the concessionary bus pass scheme”.
This confirmation was in response to Conservative MP Graham Stuart’s query on the future funding of the universal bus pass for pension-aged individuals. Adding clarity to the situation, Transport Minister Simon Lightwood stated in his written reply on Thursday: “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 Government has reassured the public over the value of a beloved transport initiative, highlighting that “The Government recognises the importance of the scheme, which supports local bus travel, assists with access to essential local services and helps those who use it to stay active and avoid isolation.”
Moreover, they have stated firmly: “The Government has absolutely no plans to withdraw the concessionary bus pass scheme.”, reports the Daily Record.
In Scotland, the National Entitlement Card (NEC) is key for many public services and offers complimentary bus travel nationwide for seniors and disabled individuals. Discounts for other forms of transport like trains, the Subway, and ferries are also available in Strathclyde.
This crucial card comes without an expiry date for individuals aged 60 or above, assuming they remain residents of Scotland. However, other groups, such as disabled people, might have a card with a validity that extends up to three years only.
Across England, there’s a separate scheme that grants free local bus rides to qualifying elderly or disabled passengers using bus services within the country.
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