Council defiant on funding of bus pass

Ministers advised reimbursing bus operators with 45 per cent of the cost of providing free travel to concessionary pass holders, but North Lincolnshire Council has decided to fund more than 60 per cent of the cost.

The scheme, which benefits more than 33,000 people in the borough, goes beyond minimum legal requirements of just providing free travel to people aged 60 and over and those with disabilities.

It also provides free travel for companions of disabled people who cannot travel on their own, and does not restrict travel times.

Councillor Bernard Regan, cabinet member for highways and planning at the council, said the higher level of investment would benefit both passengers and bus companies.

He said: "Had we have implemented the Government suggested reimbursement rate, bus operators and passengers would be worse off.

"I'm pleased that we are able to provide a much greater rate of just over 60 per cent. Though slightly less than last year, it is still significantly better the Government's suggested 45 per cent."

He added: "The concessionary fares scheme provides great benefits for over 30,000 people, enabling them to get out and about at no cost. We are committed to enabling more people to take advantage of the scheme and indeed I'm sure there will be many people who are not even aware of the scheme."

The council is spending 1.63m on the subsidy this year, a rate of 66 per cent.

The new rate, which will come into effect on June 1, will be a subsidy of about 60.1 per cent, with a projected cost of 1.66m.

The authority needs to slash about 15m from its budget because of Government funding cuts.