Government threatens local council again (Southwark Liberal Democrats)

Southwark Liberal Democrats <info@southwark-libdems.org.uk>

Government threatens local council again

November 10, 2009 10:32 AM
Originally published by Simon Hughes MP

Simon Hughes, Liberal Democrat MP for North Southwark and Bermondsey, is outraged that the government is thinking of breaking its promise to fund freedom passes for disabled people and pensioners.

In a letter to Transport Minister Sadiq Khan in August, Simon said:

"This government made a commitment to free bus travel for pensioners and disabled people and made a promise to help councils cover the costs for at least three years. In Southwark and other boroughs in London, freedom passes provide many with a lifeline and independence. It is simply unacceptable to change the rules of the game at this time and such a change would harmfully affect other council services."

Despite opposition from across London, the government has now announced that is considering a change to the three year settlement which was given to Southwark and all other London Councils.

Commenting on the government's latest announcement, Simon said:

"It is simply unjust for the government now to propose changing support for London councils which offer concessionary fares. Quite simply, Labour ministers are now thinking of breaking a promise to some of the most vulnerable people in our community. This is unacceptable."