"South Lakeland tax-payers shouldn't be subsidising concessionary bus-fares" - Farron

3.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 17th Jun 2008

Local MP Tim Farron has hit out at a Government response to the Transport Select Committee's report into the concessionary fares scheme which claims the scheme is not in need of review. Mr Farron has previously expressed concerns to the Transport Minister, Rosie Winterton that because of the huge through-flow of tourists, South Lakeland's Government grant to give concessionary bus fares is insufficient.

Many tourists who visit the area are allowed to travel free on public transport but South Lakeland District Council receive no extra funding in recognition of this.

Tim Farron said:

"I am very disappointed that the Department for Transport does not see fit to review this scheme, which in my eyes is clearly unfair on the taxpayers of South Lakeland.

"South Lakeland District Council have done an excellent job introducing the concessionary fares scheme and have worked hard to make sure that it is well funded and available to all older people and people with disabilities but I am keen to see that the cost of the scheme is not heaped on one local authority."