Pensioners concerned after losing the £300 Winter Fuel Payment have been updated on the status of their free bus passes under the new Labour government. Following Chancellor Rachel Reeves' reshaping of the eligibility criteria for the Winter Fuel Allowance at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), there has been speculation that free bus passes might be the next benefit to face the chop.
Under changes to the Winter Fuel Allowance, previously given to all pensioners, it will now only be given to people of State Pension age who are on a means-tested benefit. And the move meant many of those who were losing the allowance feared the same would happen to the bus pass.
However, a Labour spokesperson has now told BirminghamLive that the current government isn't planning to scrap the scheme, stating: "We know how vital the free bus pass scheme is for preventing loneliness, providing access to vital services and keeping people connected to loved ones, and that's why we have no plans to withdraw it."
The response came after Shadow Transport Secretary Helen Whately wrote to Labour Transport Secretary Louise Haigh, expressing her concern for pensioners concerned by cuts to their winter fuel funds. She told the MP: "Pensioners across the country remain hugely worried about how they will cope with the Government's recent cut to the winter fuel allowance. If scrapping their bus passes is not in your plans, then to allow this speculation to continue is immensely cruel."
Should there be any truth behind this speculation, Ms Whately urged a reevaluation saying: "If, however, it is, then I implore you to reconsider. The vast majority of pensioners are not living the life of luxury you appear to think they are. These cuts will heap further pain on top of losing a fuel allowance so many of them rely on.
"It's not just the financial impact of these bus passes. For many older people, they represent their last remaining ticket to independence, to amenities and to their communities. Please will you confirm to me and to them as soon as possible that these bus passes won't be scrapped."
This plea was made after Louie French, a Tory MP, pressed Sir Keir Starmer for assurances during Prime Minister's Questions, while also condemning the Government's decision to axe universal winter fuel payments. In Britain, State older individuals are entitled to reduced or free bus fares upon reaching a certain age, with the level of financial support can differ depending on the region.
