Wokingham Lib Dems Horrified at Tory Plan To Scrap Travel Tokens for Elderly and Disabled
January 23, 2005 12:00 AM
Wokingham Liberal Democrat Councillors are furious at Tory plan to scrap travel tokens. Councillor Stephen Conway (Lib Dem Councillor for Twyford ward), who spearheaded the introduction of the Concessionary Fares scheme in Wokingham district when the Liberal Democrats controlled the Council, said, "The Tory plan to axe free travel tokens for the majority of elderly and disabled people is a disgrace. This penny-pinching exercise is aimed at some of the most vulnerable people in our community.
"Under the current scheme, eligible residents could choose between free travel tokens or a half-price bus pass. 99% chose the free travel tokens and only 1% chose the half-price bus pass. The Tories are taking away the very thing that residents have overwhelmingly chosen.
"It is quite outrageous that last week the Leader of the Council proudly announced that the Government is giving Wokingham District Council an extra £10.2 million, yet this week he has written to residents telling them that he is scrapping the Concessionary Fares scheme."
Councillor Prue Bray (Lib Dem Councillor for Winnersh ward and Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Wokingham constituency) said, "The Council offices have been besieged with 'phone calls and visits from residents who are furious about the Tory cut.
"When we regain control of the Council, the Liberal Democrats will reinstate a Concessionary Fares scheme that gives real choice to the residents and no reduction in benefits or service. We would never agree to the Tories' mean-spirited cuts. The Tories have made a huge error of judgement. They should apologise and reinstate the free travel scheme immediately."
The Tory Executive will be making the final decision at their meeting at the Shute End Council offices on Thursday 27th January.
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