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Concessionary Bus Travel Bill [Lords]

There was no dissent in the House on Second Reading or in Committee as to the intent of the Bill. The Opposition support the extension of concessionary travel for eligible people on eligible journeys in the transition from a local to a national scheme. We support the freedom pass in London and will do everything to ensure that it continues. However, the Government cannot will the end unless they will the means. I recognise that we debated this issue in Committee, but it is key to the Bill. Without the finance, the ““end”” of concessionary travel cannot be achieved, or can be achieved only at the expense of cuts in services or increased council tax. So far, the Government’s response has been to say that enough funding will be available. Although I have absolutely no doubt as to the Minister’s integrity or the sincerity of her belief that that is correct, that cannot be sufficient for the purposes of the Bill.