Welsh Ministers seeking powers to legislate on concessionary travel in Wales

The Minister has outlined the possible ways the Government COULD make changes. It has not been stated that it WILL happen if these additional powers are granted however the fact that they state it COULD is enough to raise concern.

The variations include - limiting journeys between authority areas; limiting access to concessionary rates to off peak times of day; limiting or removing personal assistant/carer free (or reduced rate) travel.

The words ‘financial burden’ has been used to refer to the loss of money resulting from the concessionary travel scheme. We do not believe that a scheme, which enables many people to live independent lives through access to public transport, should be referred to in such a way and put under threat.

Consultation Arrangements

The deadline to respond is 13^th January 2010.

A copy of the proposed Order and its accompanying Explanatory Memorandum documents can be found at: http://www.assemblywales.org/bus-home/bus-legislation/ leglegislative-competence-orders/bus-legislation-lco-2009-tr-2

Furthermore, guidance relating to Orders and the legislative process can be found at the following link:

http://www.assemblywales.org/bus-home/bus-legislation/bus-legislation-guidance.htm

Please direct your correspondence to legislationoffice@wales.gsi.gov.uk and entitle the e-mail Consultation Transport LCO. Alternatively please send submissions in hard copy, to Ruth Hatton, Deputy Committee Clerk, Legislation Office, National Assembly for Wales, Cardiff Bay CF99 1NA.

DW along with other disability organisations will be writing to the Minister to challenge the purpose of this Transport LCO.