People over State Pension age could see free bus travel scrapped in Autumn Budget next month
Millions of State Pensioners are still reeling from the unexpected announcement from the new Labour Government that in order to help plug a £22 billion ‘black hole’ in the public purse, Winter Fuel Payments will only be issued to around 1.5 million people this year. Some 10m pensioners are set to miss out on the annual heating bill help worth between £100 and £300 because they are not in receipt of an income -related benefit such as Pension Credit.
And following a recent response from the Prime Minister, the cuts for pensioners may not stop there. During Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, Conservative MP Louie French called the cuts to Winter Fuel Payments a “disgraceful political decision” before urging him to “rule out scrapping concessionary travel fares and Council Tax discounts, which also help millions of pensioners across the UK”.
READ MORE: Five-week warning to people under State Pension age using National Entitlement Card for free travel
READ MORE: Older people on Attendance Allowance could be eligible for Winter Fuel Payments of up to £300
However, Sir Keir chose not to answer the questions and replied: “I am not going to pre-empt the Budget. It will all be set out in due course.”
Both the PM and Chancellor Rachel Reeves have hinted at further cuts to come to help restore economic balance in government finances, however, neither have alluded to where they might come. Speculation is mounting that the Autumn Budget on October 30 could see changes to Capital Gains Tax, Inheritance Tax, the ISA allowance and the personal savings allowance.
Council Tax is another one up for consideration according to The Telegraph, however, it’s unclear how any changes would affect people in Scotland as banding is set by the Scottish Government.
Similarly, if changes to concessionary travel are announced, they might not affect people in Scotland as the scheme is also set and operated under devolved powers.
The National Entitlement Card (NEC) provides access to many public services across Scotland and gives elderly and disabled people free bus travel across the country. Through the Strathclyde Concessionary Travel Scheme, it also provides reductions on train, Subway and ferry fares.
If you are 60 or over, the card will not have an expiry date on it and is valid for life, providing you continue to live in Scotland. However, for others - including disabled people - it may only be valid for up to three years.
The English national concessionary travel scheme provides free local bus travel to eligible older people and eligible disabled people on bus services in England only.