Following the receipt of a number of letters from pensioners in the
Lichfield constituency, Michael Fabricant contacted ministers to
investigate whether they will honour their election pledge to provide free
bus passes for all pensioners. Now, in a letter to Michael Fabricant, the
Minister (Sally Keeble MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at Stephen
Byers’ Department of Transport, Local Government, and the Regions) has said
"the Government cannot ignore the cost" and goes on to refuse any additional
funding.

Nevertheless, Ms Keeble says "I agree that concessionary travel schemes
are important in allowing many people – especially pensioners – a chance
to travel which they might not otherwise be able to afford". She goes on
to say "Of course local authorities are able to provide free bus and train
travel for pensioners…. if they choose, ….. but anything provided over
and above the statutory minimum standard is very much at their own
discretion".

Michael Fabricant now says "This is a disappointing reply. Once again,
the Government has made a commitment which it will not honour. Instead, it
has thrown the whole issue back to local councils which are already strapped
for funds arising from additional burdens thrust on them by the Government.
The Government’s ‘best value programme’ costs smaller districts, such as
Lichfield District Council, a huge proportion of their budget which might
otherwise be used on projects such as the provision of free bus passes for
pensioners. I believe it is unreasonable for a Government Minister such as
Ms Keeble to say that the Government believes this to be a good idea, but
then throw the cost back on local council tax payers."