§ 29. Paul HolmesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has to extend the scope of the current legislation covering concessionary fares in England and Wales. [13582]
§ Ms KeebleThe Travel Concessions (Eligibility) Bill will extend local authority concessionary travel schemes to men aged 60–64 in England and Wales.
§ Mr. Andrew TurnerTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to the answer of 14 November 2001 by the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for the Isle of Wight,Official Report, column 850, on concessionary coach fares, if he will set out when public financial support for concessionary fares for pensioners on (a) buses and (b) coaches (i) became permissible, (ii) became mandatory and (iii) began to be implemented or will begin to be implemented, (A) for within-county travel and (B) for out-of-county travel. [16464]
§ Ms KeebleConcessionary travel on buses and coaches at county level has been permitted since 1968. It was possible for authorities to arrange for the concession to apply outside the county by arrangement with adjoining local authorities. The statutory minimum standard that commenced in June 2001 ensures at least half-fare travel for pensioners on local buses. It does not apply at county level outside the metropolitan areas, although there is no reason why local authorities should not join together to run a county scheme, or a scheme beyond the county boundary, if they wish.