Concessionary bus pass rumour

lil_me

So quite different criteria to Durham, they see proof for 'Has a disability, or has suffered an injury, which has a substantial and long term adverse effect on his ability to walk' as higher rate mobility

Criteria

Those aged 60 and over or has one or more of the following disabilities:

• Is blind or partially sighted
• Is profoundly or severely deaf
• Is without speech
• Has a disability, or has suffered an injury, which has a substantial and long term adverse effect on his ability to walk or has a learning difficulty
• Does not have arms or has a long-term loss of the use of both arms
• Would be refused a driving licence under section 92 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 except for persistent drug or alcohol misuse

John51

Here it's the transport authority that makes the decision using their own medical staff. I got refused a bus pass because I can, in time, manage to get to a bus stop.

anguk

lil_me wrote: »

In our area (Durham) you also have to receive higher rate mobility to receive a bus pass (or blue badge as I am aware in some areas these are also given for other DLA elements) I contacted the team in charge about a friend who receives higher rate care and lower rate mobility who just said 'if she doesn't get higher rate mobility she doesn't qualify' and hung up on me. If you could pass on the info you found on google Francis I would be interested in looking into it for this person as I think a bus pass would be great for her, thank you.

My OH has a County Durham Concessionary Travel Permit, we called into our local council office (we're in Derwentside) and as he's got a blue badge they issued him with the pass there & then! The receptionist looked at his blue badge, took his photo and handed him the pass, I'd expected at least a form to fill in!

I've had a look at the Durham Council website but that doesn't list the qualifying benefits, it just says you have to be over 60 or are blind or have other disabilities that affect their mobility.
http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/usp.nsf/web/pages+with+sections/Transport+and+Streets+-+County+Durham+Concessionary+Travel+Scheme

lil_me

anguk wrote: »

My OH has a County Durham Concessionary Travel Permit, we called into our local council office (we're in Derwentside) and as he's got a blue badge they issued him with the pass there & then! The receptionist looked at his blue badge, took his photo and handed him the pass, I'd expected at least a form to fill in!

I've had a look at the Durham Council website but that doesn't list the qualifying benefits, it just says you have to be over 60 or are blind or have other disabilities that affect their mobility.
http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/usp.nsf/web/pages+with+sections/Transport+and+Streets+-+County+Durham+Concessionary+Travel+Scheme

Derwentside is different in some ways to City Council (for now) but the same team we contacted about a blue badge for this person for when she goes out with her daughter are the ones who deal with the bus pass scheme, we called asking about both as she doesn't have a blue badge either, were told that she would need to receive higher rate mobility and they put the phone down. I am going to look into it further for her next week via the transport manager.....see what he thinks.....

Francis1980

lil_me wrote: »

So quite different criteria to Durham, they see proof for 'Has a disability, or has suffered an injury, which has a substantial and long term adverse effect on his ability to walk' as higher rate mobility

Criteria

Has a disability, or has suffered an injury, which has a substantial and long term adverse effect on his ability to walk or has a learning difficulty

The "learning difficulty" part may include people on lower mobility.

Francis1980

John51 wrote: »

Here it's the transport authority that makes the decision using their own medical staff. I got refused a bus pass because I can, in time, manage to get to a bus stop.

Surely anyone can get to a bus stop in time if they leave in enough time

Pete268

The Department for Transport Guidance as to whom qualifies for the new National Bus Pass (From 1st April 2008) in England is here. It shows who qualifies for the national pass automatically etc:

http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/regional/buses/concessionary/local/guidancetolocalauthoritieson3561

This is what Local Authorities should work to in establishing who should receive/not receive the National Bus Pass in England (including London where Freedom Passes are issued).

Worth a read.

Pete

mardatha

mine wasnt renewed as they have changed the rules.

Gemmzie

In Cornwall everyone over 60 gets one free - it's disgusting practise. I hope that gets stopped under these new rules.

CIS

In Cornwall everyone over 60 gets one free - it's disgusting practise. I hope that gets stopped under these new rules.

The free bus pass scheme is going national for all over 60's soon - http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/PublicTransport/BusAndCoachTravel/DG_071640