Free Bus Travel Costs --- "Who Will Pay?" Asks MP

John Baron MP has written to Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly MP outlining his concerns about the Government’s failure to match its promised investment in the concessionary fares scheme for elderly and disabled people.

Basildon Council has estimated that it will be faced by a £777,000 bill in 2008/9, despite Government saying the scheme ought to be funded centrally and be neutral in effect on local authorities.

£777,000 would represent about 5% of council taxes.

Commenting, John said: “Free bus travel for elderly and disabled people is a welcome innovation, but the Government has broken its promise by not fully funding this initiative. Because Basildon Council is being short-changed, local residents now look set to pick up the bill.”

“The shortfall this year for the local scheme is already £350,000, but this could more than double next year when free bus travel goes nationwide. The Government needs to sort this mess out. I have therefore written to Ruth Kelly asking for action to be taken and will pursue this matter in Parliament.”