§ Mrs. LaitTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will ensure that mental health service users have the same legal entitlement to local authority bus passes as physically disabled people. [89545]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonOutside London, local authorities may provide concessionary travel for people who are mentally handicapped, but not for people who are mentally ill (except for those who would be refused a driving licence on medical grounds). Local authorities also have the power to provide concessionary travel for people with a number of specified physical disabilities (including those who are blind) as well as those people with a disability or injury which seriously impairs their ability to walk. In all these instances, the decision on whether to allow concessionary travel for any or all of these groups of people is a matter for the local authority.
588WIn London, local authorities have the legal power to provide concessionary travel for people who are blind, or who have a disability or injury which seriously impairs their ability to walk.