Tories demand answers over Labour's rumoured 'cruel' plot to scrap free bus passes
The Shadow Transport Secretary warned two Labour ministers on Tuesday refused to confirm older people would continue to receive a free bus pass.
Labour must confirm bus passes won’t be scrapped and end “immensely cruel” speculation, Helen Whately has declared.
The Shadow Transport Secretary warned two Labour ministers on Tuesday refused to confirm older people would continue to receive a free bus pass.
And Ms Whately told Labour ministers “the vast majority of pensioners are not living the life of luxury you appear to think they are”.
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds refused to rule out scrapping free travel passes for pensioners, saying a “responsible' government means making decisions 'you don't want to make'.”
Lord Hendy 'hopes' that free bus travel for pensioners continues
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And the Shadow Transport Secretary wrote, in a letter to Transport Secretary Louise Haigh, said: “Pensioners across the country remain hugely worried about how they will cope with the Government’s recent cut to the winter fuel allowance.
“If scrapping their bus passes is not in your plans, then to allow this speculation to continue is immensely cruel.
“If however it is, then I implore you to reconsider. The vast majority of pensioners are not living the life of luxury you appear to think they are. These cuts will heap further pain on top of losing a fuel allowance that so many of them rely on.
“It’s not just the financial impact of these bus passes. For many older people they represent their last remaining ticket to independence, to amenities and to their community.
“Please will you confirm to me and to them as soon as possible that these bus passes won’t be scrapped.”
Concern has intensified after Tory Peer Lord Moylan asked transport minister Lord Hendy to give an “unshakeable commitment” to older people already reeling from the loss of their winter fuel payments.
But Lord Hendy dodged the question, only stating “we would all hope that it continues into the future”.
Older people in Britain are offered discounted bus fares when they reach a certain age. The amount of financial support they receive varies in different parts of the county.
In London, the Freedom Pass allows someone aged 66 to travel without charge on the bus, Underground and Overground. In other parts of the UK, anyone over 60 can get free bus travel.
