§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with local authorities regarding the provision of taxi vouchers for the elderly and disabled; what financial assistance the Government gives to local authorities to enable them to provide such a service; what plans he has to review the system; and if he will make a statement. [73820]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonLocal authorities outside London are enabled by the Transport Act 1985 to provide concessionary travel schemes for resident pensioners and disabled people, which may include travel by taxi. The details of these schemes are a matter for individual local authorities and no central record is kept of the provision made. Financial assistance is provided through the overall support given to local authority expenditure in general. I have no plans to change these arrangements.