Cllr Calls on Government to Fully Fund Free Bus Scheme (Leeds Liberal Democrats)

Leeds Liberal Democrats <info@leedslibdems.org.uk>

Cllr Calls on Government to Fully Fund Free Bus Scheme

November 2, 2005 3:21 PM

Yesterday Leeds City Council overwhelmingly supported a motion calling upon Gordon Brown to fully fund Government plans for free bus travel for people over 60.

Cllr Ryk Downes (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) who moved the motion said "As it stands Leeds City Council would have to cover any funding shortfalls when the scheme is introduced. I have asked that the Government commit themselves to cover any funding loophole that would leave council tax payers out of pocket."

"Whilst I welcome the Governments decision to provide free off peak local bus travel for the over 60's, I am concerned about the way it will be funded and the effect it will have on council tax."

"Local Councils are responsible for carrying out policies decided at national level. Currently we are put into a situation where we may have to raise council tax in order to fill the funding gap between government grant and the actual cost of making free bus travel a reality."

Note to Editors:

Councillor Downes proposed the following White Paper at today's Full Council Meeting:-

"This Council welcomes the introduction of free bus travel for people aged 60 and over after 9.30 am on weekdays and all day at weekends.

However Council is concerned that the proposed Government funding may not cover the full costs of introducing the scheme and therefore calls upon the Government to fully fund free bus travel for the over 60's so that none of the costs will fall on Leeds' Council Tax."

The views in this Press Release are those of the Liberal Democrat Council Group, and not necessarily those of Leeds City Council, its Officers or of the Liberal Democrat Party.