Mark Whitehead 11 February 2019

Underfunding of bus scheme leaves elderly ‘isolated’

Elderly and vulnerable people could be left isolated because the concessionary bus fares scheme is underfunded, local government leaders have warned.

The Local Government Association says nearly half of all bus routes are at risk as the funding gap for free travel has reached £650m and this should be looked at in the forthcoming Spending Review.

It says uncontrollable costs and reductions in Government funding means the money available for the National Concessionary Travel Scheme, a statutory duty administered by councils, means they are increasingly having to fill the gap with their own limited resources.

They say they have been forced to reduce spending on discretionary concessionary fares across England, from £115m in 2014/15 to £85m in 2017/18 – a fall of 26%.

In England outside of London spending on supported bus services is now £122m less than 2010 – a reduction of 33%.

Martin Tett, the LGA’s Transport spokesman, said: 'Properly funding the national free bus pass scheme is essential if the Government wants councils to be able to maintain our essential bus services, reduce congestion and protect vital routes.'

'If this is not addressed in the Spending Review it could lead to older people having a free bus pass but no bus to travel on.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Part Time Finance Administrator

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum + Pro Rata
Part Time Finance AdministratorPermanent, Part Time£25,081 per annum, full time equivalentLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Customer Services Adviser (Housing Repairs

Mansfield District Council
£28,598 - £33,699 per annum
Mansfield is a town of towns at the centre of things in Nottinghamshire - a place of many strong connections Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

No Wrong Door Deputy Manager

North Yorkshire Council
From £47,181 up to £51,356 per annum pro rata
We’re looking for a passionate, driven, and dynamic professional to join our management team within our innovative No Wrong Door (NWD) service. Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Senior Resource Centre Worker

North Yorkshire Council
£34,434 - £38,220 per annum pro rata
You will work closely with families and other professionals to ensure that you have sound knowledge of the children you are caring for Morton on Swale, Northallerton
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Social Worker

North Yorkshire Council
£38,220 - £42,839 per annum, pro rata
Our Family Assessment and Support Teams you will work with a range of children and their families, carers and networks. Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner