Deputy Mayor to Lead Fight Against Bus Pass Cuts!

Rochdale's Transport Boss Councillor Zulf Ali has vowed to lead the fight to secure the future of free bus passes for pensioners. It comes after the Local Government Association this week revealed that millions may miss out as part of a cost cutting initiative.

A report commissioned by the LGA claimed that free transport is being used by too many people who own cars or who could afford to pay for public transport. The LGA claim that free transport should be limited to the poor as the scheme costs the taxpayers £1Billion a year - and called for pensioners to be means tested.

Councillor Ali was this week voted onto the Local Government Association's Regeneration and Transport Board which has responsibility for LGA activity on the economic development and regeneration of communities and transport.

The free bus pass scheme was first introduced in 2006.

Deputy Mayor Councillor Ali said: "If these proposals are accepted it would be a real step back for pensioners here in Rochdale. I know from my experience last year on the Greater Manchester Transport Authority that this scheme allows older people the freedom and independence they need whilst reducing the isolation and loneliness they may otherwise feel. To reverse this policy would be nothing short of perverse. I will be taking this issue up at my first meeting of the LGA's Transport Board as a matter of urgency."

Heywood North Councillor Malcolm Bruce said: "I know that many Councils across the country are struggling to meet the costs of the scheme due to the Government's lack of funding. For instance, since April pensioners have had to pay for long-distance coaches, park-and-ride buses and tourist sightseeing. These are clear cost cutting u-turns by the Government and pensioners do not deserve to be treated in this way. The Government has to back this scheme now before Councils across the Country are forced to look at alternative funding."