Written question asked by Alan Hurst (Labour) on Tuesday, 24 April 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 1 May 2001. It was answered by Keith Hill (Labour) on Tuesday, 1 May 2001 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, how many pensioners are eligible to apply for the free bus pass which entitles the holder to half price fares; how many have applied; and what estimate he has made of the likely cost of the scheme. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Hurst: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many pensioners are eligible to apply for the free bus pass which entitles the holder to half-price fares; how many have applied; and what estimate he has made of the likely cost of the scheme. [159372] Mr. Hill: The relevant provisions are already in force in Greater London. From 1 June, all pensioners in England--an estimated 9 million--will be eligible, but application is to the relevant local authority; no central records are kept. The additional costs of guaranteeing half-fare reductions for pensioners on buses have been estimated at around £39 million a year, to be met from adjustments to Revenue Support Grant.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 159372; 367 c588W
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Applications Bus services Costs Concessions Fares Eligibility Pensioners
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk