The Conservative and Lib Dem leaders of Lancashire’s District Councils have got together and decided how they will introduce the Labour Government’s new free travel scheme for the over 60’s.
They knew that it was a worthy and popular measure and so they decided to undermine it.
Before even giving the scheme a chance to work they complained loudly that funding that the government had provided was insufficient.
At a recent House of Commons Transport Select Committee, Transport Minister Ruth Kelly explained that the funding had been the subject of consultation with the Local Government Association, that there was a substantial cushion built in, that with the introduction of smart card technology journey and passenger data would be collected and that the policy's operation would be reviewed as necessary.
Instead of co-operating and trying to make the scheme work the Conservatives further tried to make the elderly and disabled feel guilty about using the scheme by suggesting in the media that other services would have to be cut to pay for it.
Most disgracefully they decided to save a very small amount of money by withdrawing the arrangements for peak hour concessions for the over 60’s and the disabled. This hits those valiant people who are trying to retain their independence, by working, rather than relying on benefits
Instead of undermining it the all parties should be celebrating and supporting a policy which enables participation in community, family and work for vulnerable groups at risk of being excluded.
Find out more about the free travel scheme at www.nowcard.org
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