Free bus journey for over 60s in England plan | U.Okay.Finance Information
The Authorities has been compelled to answer a petition calling for the decreasing of the age threshold totally free bus journey in England and Wales to 60, after it garnered over 10,000 signatures.
The Division for Transport has now weighed in on the talk, highlighting the £700 million annual value of the present scheme that provides free off-peak journey for these over 66.
Whereas native authorities can present extra advantages, reminiscent of London and Merseyside offering free journey for over 60s, the Division expressed considerations in regards to the financial implications of extending this nationwide.
The petition, initiated by Karen Hickman, argues that it is unfair for English residents outdoors London to not get pleasure from the identical privileges as their counterparts in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Eire.
It calls for: “We call on the Government to extend free bus travel to all people over 60 years old in England outside London. We believe the current situation is unjust and we want equality for everyone over 60.”
“Currently, people in England who do not live in London are not entitled to free bus travel until they reach the state pension age, which we believe has changed dramatically. As people get older some over 60s drive less and less, therefore we believe we need equality on public transport. It would mean England had the same provision as Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.”
The Division for Transport careworn the significance of the English Nationwide Concessionary Journey Scheme (ENCTS) but additionally highlighted its value: “The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme costs around £700 million annually. Any changes to the statutory scheme must be carefully considered for their impact on its financial sustainability.”
They additional famous that, “The government wants everyone to have access to public transport and is committed to improving services. We also recognise the importance of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) in supporting local bus travel, assisting with access to essential local services and helping those who use it to stay active and avoid isolation.”
Lastly, reinforcing the present coverage, the Division added, “The ENCTS provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age, currently sixty-six. The ENCTS costs around £700 million annually and any changes to the statutory obligations, such as lowering the age of eligibility, would therefore need to be carefully considered for its impact on the scheme’s financial sustainability.”
“Local authorities in England do have the power to offer concessions in addition to their statutory obligations, for example, by extending the age of eligibility for the older persons’ bus pass. These are additional local concessions provided and funded by local authorities from local resources, depending on the needs and priorities of each area.”
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/702845″At the Budget on 30 October, the government confirmed a £1 billion boost for buses, of which £712 million has been allocated to local authorities to support and improve bus services. Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services for passengers can be used in whichever way they wish. This could include extending the discretionary concessions available in the local area.”
“Concessionary travel is a devolved policy area and as such, the eligibility age for the bus pass differs between the devolved nations of the United Kingdom. This means, in effect, that there are different schemes in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so the administrative arrangements are entirely separate.”
In England some councils offer free journey for the over 60s however it isn’t common. Merseytravel provides free journey on all buses, trains and Mersey Ferries river crossings for anybody aged 60 or over who lives in Merseyside.
Most native authorities, that are at the moment beneath great financial stress, offer the statutory move at 66. The petition has hit 16,000 signatures and at 100,000 it may very well be debated in Parliament.
To signal up click on right here.
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