Stuart Anderson MP urges government to keep free bus passes for pensioners
Stuart Anderson MP has called on the new government to retain a scheme which provides free off-peak bus travel to 8.7 million people with disabilities and of the State Pension age. Costing £1 billion a year, Stuart has expressed concerns that it could be seen as an “easy target” for the government - with the Chancellor having said “difficult decisions” on spending, welfare, and tax are needed to honour commitments like inflation-busting public sector pay rises.
Stuart added that it would be a “huge mistake” to remove further support for pensioners, after the government announced winter fuel payments would be withdrawn from those not entitled to Pension Credit or another means-tested qualifying benefit. The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) ensures that no older or disabled person in England is prevented from bus travel by cost alone. This aims to provide these groups with greater freedom and independence when accessing public and other services, keeping them well-connected with their towns and cities. Free bus travel can also help those eligible get out and about, meet friends and family, and discover local attractions.
567 million concessionary bus journeys were taken last year - an average of 64.9 bus journeys per bus pass, each helping to assist those with access to local services, staying active and avoiding isolation. The last government amended the legislation so that the free bus travel scheme does not need to be reviewed every five years. Stuart has called on the new government to confirm its commitment to the scheme. It follows a similar call earlier in the month, when Stuart asked the government to continue the Get Around £2 Bus Fare Cap, which saw bus fares in rural areas drop by almost 11% between 2022 and 2023.
Stuart Anderson MP said:
“Elderly and disabled people should not bear the brunt of government cuts to fulfil enormous spending commitments made elsewhere. In rural areas like South Shropshire, free bus travel is transformational for those eligible. It helps them to stay in touch with their wider communities, keeping active and well-connected with their family and friends. The last government amended the legislation to ensure that the scheme didn’t have to be reviewed every five years. While ending the scheme would be an easy target, it would be a huge mistake. So, I am calling on the new government to confirm it will not undo our changes and will continue with the scheme.”
