OAP bus pass

[malagabob]

Could be in for some flak here but, theres talk of stopping the free bus pass for OAPs to save money. Dont disabled on motability pay no road tax, free servicing no parking fees, maybe the country could save a lot there.

[jno]

if you just nailed them to the floor they wouldn't need cars anyway.

[giveup]

We used to pay half fare before, and talking with my friends most people would be quite happy with that

[bednobs]

it's not free on motability - you have to pay over all your benefit in exchange.

[seadogg]

They seem to be tightening up on motability criteria in this area. Re bus passes, it may make sense to ration the number of journeys people make so that they are used for essentials.

In our (holiday) area some residents feel that they have to subsidise OAP visitors who are better off than they are.

[starone]

I have got a bus pass but I very rarely use it. My blue card to park near the entrances to the supermarkets, however is very useful. I do not drive but anyone who transports me gets the advantage of using it, unless someone who hasn't got a blue card has already parked there (quite often, I am sorry to say). I do not get motability payment so do not know what kind of facilities they are allowed but I agree it could do with looking at, especially in some cases.

[boxtops]

The county council issues our passes, I've heard nothing here that they might be withdrawn.

[pastafreak]

I hope this isn't true. I don't drive,nor do I have anyone who could drive me when I need to do food shopping. Consequently,my 'weekly shop' is spread out into several trips. I also like to go into town just to have a browse. If I was limited to how many free trips I am 'allowed' I'd be paying more than I already do with having to pay on the days I work.

[sunny-dave]

The rumour is from here

http://www.independen...origin=internalSearch

more 'blue sky' thinking by policy wonks who don't live in the real, world.

[cazzz1975]

disabled people who use the motability scheme pay for it out of their benefits. it is not free.

[starone]

I think you are wrong there cazzz, motability is a benefit so how can it be paid for out of the person's benefit? I know a couple of people who receive this and they also get disability living allowance. The motability benefit is a free car OR an extra allowance to pay for transport in taxis etc. Perhaps someone who receives it can explain it more comprehensively than I have.

[cazzz1975]

DLA comes in two components care and mobility, the mobility component is used to pay for a contract hire car for a specific period (normally 3 years)

[cazzz1975]

using this scheme is optional, you can receive the mobility benefit subject to qualifying for it to fund your existing cars wear and tear or help pay for a travelcard.

[cazzz1975]

the OP specifically mentioned "people on motability" which is the name of the scheme for contract hire cars for disabled people.

[SIRandyraven]

I agree.
Rather than growing the economy or taxing large corporations correctly, lets take benefits away from the pensioners instead.

[pastafreak]

I have to laugh at this >The £1 billion estimated annual cost of OAP travel passes was one low-priority item of spending that did nothing to improve the economy and should be scrapped, it said in a report.<

Taking the free pass will chain many more OAPs to their homes,and they will have less money to spend. THAT won't help the economy either. Maybe it should be means tested like pension credit...or be part of that benefit.

[jno]

they should all be trained to use the internet, pasta, then they could spend it online.

Of course my economic masterplan only makes sense if the trainers agree to work for free.

[Ann]

We know of a couple who plead (and claim)disability but its not really bad, they can get around very well. They get a FREE car every two years and rub their hands with glee when they are getting it replaced. Our old Volvo is 18 years old.

[bednobs]

it's not free on motability. You have to hand over your mobility benefit in exchange

[cazzz1975]

its not free ann.

[cazzz1975]

just because someone may seem okay to you doesnt mean they are.