MPs debate transitional state pension arrangements for women

roxy28

tinacee1 wrote: »

Just noticed that if you are 60 or over you get free travel in London. Also in Scotland and Northern Ireland. This is very unfair on over 60's in other parts of England who don't qualify. I've been looking to see if there is an online petition running that people can sign to make provision for the over 60's who live in the areas in England not covered. Very unfair.

And also http://www.merseytravel.gov.uk/tickets/concessions/pages/60+.aspx

p00hsticks

tinacee1 wrote: »

Just noticed that if you are 60 or over you get free travel in London. Also in Scotland and Northern Ireland. This is very unfair on over 60's in other parts of England who don't qualify. I've been looking to see if there is an online petition running that people can sign to make provision for the over 60's who live in the areas in England not covered. Very unfair.

Surely it's up to individual local authorities what local travel concessions they wish to offer and to whom ?

Personally, I've a large number of things I can think of that I'd rather my council taxes subsidise before it goes to providing free travel for people many of who will be working full time and earning considerably more than I am.

stokesley

p00hsticks wrote: »

Surely it's up to individual local authorities what local travel concessions they wish to offer and to whom ?

Personally, I've a large number of things I can think of that I'd rather my council taxes subsidise before it goes to providing free travel for people many of who will be working full time and earning considerably more than I am.

Quite. I'm under state pension age, but get free prescriptions. I'd get rid of that too.

tinacee1

Someone has informed me that Merseyside council also extend their free travel concession to the over 60's. It must depend on the council authority where you reside. I believe in equality so feeling miffed.

t0rt0ise

stokesley wrote: »

Quite. I'm under state pension age, but get free prescriptions. I'd get rid of that too.

They can't get rid of the free prescriptions at age 60. If they were going to have it a state pension age it would cost far more to administer at the moment than they'd gain.

t0rt0ise

As for the free travel, those who need it use and those who don't tend not to apply for it in the first place. In London it costs £20 and many simply don't bother applying for it so that it's a self-selected benefit which is the cheapest way to do it. Otherwise you're into means testing which costs far too much to check out.


In London it's not run by the local councils but TfL. The councils take over when people reach state pension age and get the nationwide Freedom Pass.

Pollycat

tinacee1 wrote: »

Just noticed that if you are 60 or over you get free travel in London. Also in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

You could always move to London, Scotland or
Northern Ireland.
Just saying.......

atush

Paul_Herring wrote: »

Feel free to ignore it then. Telling the rest of us to shut up on the other hand...

Is wise council.

but if you like wasting your breath, go ahead.

Apodemus

t0rt0ise wrote: »

As for the free travel, those who need it use and those who don't tend not to apply for it in the first place.

You've clearly not been on the Megabus Gold service from Inverness to Glasgow! If you are over 60, you can have a free day shopping trip to Glasgow which includes your tea and scone on the way down and back. Very few of the free-ticket passengers are in any way representative of the disadvantaged in society. Same goes for the Island-hopping day-trips on the Calmac ferries enjoyed by the active retirees on the west coast! Nice if you can get it, but a priority for Government expenditure?

GibbsRule_No3

This card probably saves the health service quite a bit of money. It means people who do take it up can get out and keep active both physically and mentally. I have certainly found it a boon, opened up my life no end. I have never driven but the cost of a bus would often put me off doing things, now I am out and about a lot more. Free train into London after 9.30 during the week as well, free at weekend all day. Lobby for more areas, rather than cutting it back where it has been introduced. You will, as stated still get many people who are eligible not taking it up even though it costs £20.00 for me that works out at £5 a year until the card that comes with SP age arrival.