MP BACKS PENSIONERS BUS PASSES

Local MP Nigel Waterson has criticised proposals to scrap free bus travel for pensioners, or means test it for so-called “middle class” people.

“The problem is that this Government have wholly failed to live up to their promise to fully fund concessionary fares. This means a local council like Eastbourne does not receive the full cost of the scheme from the Treasury, and have to spend millions of council taxpayers’ cash. And guess what! Many council taxpayers are themselves pensioners!”

“For months I have been warning that the shortfall in funding could force local councils to cut services to fill the gap. Now we can see that starting to happen.”

“I know many of my older constituents value their free bus travel. The Conservatives have no intention of removing this. But this Government need to sort out the funding arrangements.”

11 Aug 2009