Councillors demand bus-pass funding from government

11.41.25am GMT Tue 12th Feb 2008

Councillor James MacCleary is putting pressure on the government to pay for concessionary bus passes.

Local Lib Dem councillors are demanding that the government funds concessionary bus travel for elderly and vulnerable citizens.

Lewes councillor James MacCleary says: "We are fully in support of concessionary bus travel for senior citizens and vulnerable people and believe this should be extended nationwide. But the government must live up to its commitment and fund this scheme."

Councillor MacCleary is proposing a motion at the next meeting of Lewes District councillors to back concessionary bus travel and put pressure on the government to fund it. The government's failure to fully fund the scheme this year has left Lewes District council, and most other local authorities with a budget blackhole.

Councillor MacCleary says: "Hazel Blears, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, has told us that her department did not anticipate there being any budget shortfall for local councils. This raises serious questions about the competence of staff in Communities and Local Government and their ability to administer this scheme."

Lib Dem councillors are calling for urgent action to provide the necessary funding and for Mrs Blears to investigate how her department made such drastic miscalculations.