FUNDING FOR OFF-PEAK CONCESSIONARY FARE SCHEME

Early day motion 950, tabled 3 November 2005 by Anne Main (Conservative). Signed by 19 members.

That this House notes the Government's announcement in the 2005 Budget of the introduction of the off-peak concessionary bus fare scheme from April 2006, which allows free travel to those over 60 years old or registered disabled within a particular geographical district, but remains extremely concerned that the £350 million identified for the funding of the project will be insufficient to cater for a substantial increase in the uptake and usage of bus passes; further notes that within areas such as Hertfordshire, and other similar communities where there is no one dominant town, the withdrawal of half-price travel to neighbouring districts, and restricting passes to a single district, will have substantial negative impact for many; and calls on the Government to ensure that the funding for each district has been specially identified before implementation in order to ensure that council tax calculations are not affected.

Signatures by party: Conservative 12, DUP 4, Liberal Democrat 2, Labour 1.