Comments on: £3m Year: Expected Cost to Island of Pensioner’s Free National Bus Travel http://ventnorblog.com/2009/11/06/3m-year-expected-cost-to-island-of-pensioners-free-national-bus-travel/ VentnorBlog - It's not just about Ventnor! News from the Isle of Wight. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:23:39 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc hourly 1 By: Ashley http://ventnorblog.com/2009/11/06/3m-year-expected-cost-to-island-of-pensioners-free-national-bus-travel/#comment-85068 Ashley Tue, 02 Mar 2010 20:33:12 +0000 http://ventnorblog.com/?p=33970#comment-85068 send the free pass plz from Ashley send the free pass plz
from Ashley

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]]> By: Ashley http://ventnorblog.com/2009/11/06/3m-year-expected-cost-to-island-of-pensioners-free-national-bus-travel/#comment-85067 Ashley Tue, 02 Mar 2010 20:27:17 +0000 http://ventnorblog.com/?p=33970#comment-85067 free bus pass free bus pass

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]]> By: SB http://ventnorblog.com/2009/11/06/3m-year-expected-cost-to-island-of-pensioners-free-national-bus-travel/#comment-76619 SB Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:05:43 +0000 http://ventnorblog.com/?p=33970#comment-76619 Getting rid of the free peak travel is now recommended for next year. http://www.iwight.com/council/committees/cabinet/17-11-09/Paper%20D.pdf That should reduce the arguments that are damaging social cohesion. The arguments for helping 'youngsters' are well founded. Pension fund deficits due to longevity increase, related house price affordability and education fees could all be cited. The argument that buses would otherwise run empty are somewhat naïve. The increase in frequency on profitable routes, and fare structure is good evidence of the acumen of private bus companies. There is valid argument for the scheme assisting the tourism industry on the Island, but recovery of funding through the business rate may be difficult, especially as some businesses are disadvantaged by the scheme. Stephen Getting rid of the free peak travel is now recommended for next year.

http://www.iwight.com/council/committees/cabinet/17-11-09/Paper%20D.pdf

That should reduce the arguments that are damaging social cohesion.

The arguments for helping ‘youngsters’ are well founded. Pension fund deficits due to longevity increase, related house price affordability and education fees could all be cited.

The argument that buses would otherwise run empty are somewhat naïve. The increase in frequency on profitable routes, and fare structure is good evidence of the acumen of private bus companies.

There is valid argument for the scheme assisting the tourism industry on the Island, but recovery of funding through the business rate may be difficult, especially as some businesses are disadvantaged by the scheme.

Stephen

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]]> By: DOD http://ventnorblog.com/2009/11/06/3m-year-expected-cost-to-island-of-pensioners-free-national-bus-travel/#comment-76604 DOD Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:41:20 +0000 http://ventnorblog.com/?p=33970#comment-76604 I agree entirely Rob. However the point everyone overlooks is that providing a blanket benefit is relatively simple from an admin point of view.Sorting out those eligable from the rest will put up the running cost considerably In fact,knowing how local and national civil servants think and operate,probably more than any intended savings I agree entirely Rob.
However the point everyone overlooks is that providing a blanket benefit is relatively simple from an admin point of view.Sorting out those eligable from the rest will put up the running cost considerably In fact,knowing how local and national civil servants think and operate,probably more than any intended savings

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]]> By: Rob http://ventnorblog.com/2009/11/06/3m-year-expected-cost-to-island-of-pensioners-free-national-bus-travel/#comment-76599 Rob Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:12:07 +0000 http://ventnorblog.com/?p=33970#comment-76599 You talk about over 60's as if they are a different species. When you hit 60 you don't suddenly become a housebound lonely old man or woman incapable of getting about. Do you really think its fair to give free bus travel to wealthy people and not to poor working people based solely on their age? You talk about over 60’s as if they are a different species. When you hit 60 you don’t suddenly become a housebound lonely old man or woman incapable of getting about.

Do you really think its fair to give free bus travel to wealthy people and not to poor working people based solely on their age?

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]]> By: Helen Murphy http://ventnorblog.com/2009/11/06/3m-year-expected-cost-to-island-of-pensioners-free-national-bus-travel/#comment-76593 Helen Murphy Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:51:28 +0000 http://ventnorblog.com/?p=33970#comment-76593 Would people look at the wider picture (of the benefits of concessionary travel for over 60's) The fact is that this concession allows and encourages older people to get out of their homes, meet other people, and spend the grey pound in places benefitting the economy in the long run (even if they only buy a coffee and / or a few groceries) not to mention the health benefits of getting out and about and meeting people - thus in the long run possibly avoiding health issues caused by loneliness and being stuck in ones home) The majority of pensioners have worked all their lives, paid taxes, paid national insurance, and are entitled to a little something back in their later years. The cost is a drop in the ocean compared to the benefits is provides. Also, they fill up what would be half empty buses which are making the journeys anyway, therefore it benefits the environment as well (as a half empty bus would not!) please stop griping about this relatively small expenditure and see the full picture of benefits. Would people look at the wider picture (of the benefits of concessionary travel for over 60’s) The fact is that this concession allows and encourages older people to get out of their homes, meet other people, and spend the grey pound in places benefitting the economy in the long run (even if they only buy a coffee and / or a few groceries) not to mention the health benefits of getting out and about and meeting people – thus in the long run possibly avoiding health issues caused by loneliness and being stuck in ones home) The majority of pensioners have worked all their lives, paid taxes, paid national insurance, and are entitled to a little something back in their later years. The cost is a drop in the ocean compared to the benefits is provides. Also, they fill up what would be half empty buses which are making the journeys anyway, therefore it benefits the environment as well (as a half empty bus would not!) please stop griping about this relatively small expenditure and see the full picture of benefits.

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]]> By: Sailor Sam http://ventnorblog.com/2009/11/06/3m-year-expected-cost-to-island-of-pensioners-free-national-bus-travel/#comment-76591 Sailor Sam Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:17:21 +0000 http://ventnorblog.com/?p=33970#comment-76591 If you base the reinbursement on the minimum fare (£2.50), SV apparently gets 38% (they did at first get over 70%!)which equates to around £1.00 per journey. Unlike fare paying passengers, the over 60's have to have a ticket for every stage of their journey (if the are usuing more than one bus). This generates a charge every time a ticket is issued. SV are claiming the 'biggest growth in passenger numbers in the UK' and obviously most of those are concessionary passengers. Take a look next time you travel on a bus and count how many actually pay and do the maths. Also lets no forget that the govenment only pay for off peak travel. The council have decided to extend this to unrestricted travel which they are obliged to pay for. If you base the reinbursement on the minimum fare (£2.50), SV apparently gets 38% (they did at first get over 70%!)which equates to around £1.00 per journey. Unlike fare paying passengers, the over 60’s have to have a ticket for every stage of their journey (if the are usuing more than one bus). This generates a charge every time a ticket is issued. SV are claiming the ‘biggest growth in passenger numbers in the UK’ and obviously most of those are concessionary passengers. Take a look next time you travel on a bus and count how many actually pay and do the maths. Also lets no forget that the govenment only pay for off peak travel. The council have decided to extend this to unrestricted travel which they are obliged to pay for.

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]]> By: DJ http://ventnorblog.com/2009/11/06/3m-year-expected-cost-to-island-of-pensioners-free-national-bus-travel/#comment-76569 DJ Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:15:37 +0000 http://ventnorblog.com/?p=33970#comment-76569 Exactly. They used to pay just under a million for half fare, which would be over a million now with inflation. They are due to get just under £2million a year for visitors from April. How much did they get originally extra for free travel for Islanders - it had to be a million or more. That makes £4million plus. Are they really spending £7million??? Lets see the books! Exactly. They used to pay just under a million for half fare, which would be over a million now with inflation. They are due to get just under £2million a year for visitors from April. How much did they get originally extra for free travel for Islanders – it had to be a million or more. That makes £4million plus. Are they really spending £7million??? Lets see the books!

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]]> By: No.5 http://ventnorblog.com/2009/11/06/3m-year-expected-cost-to-island-of-pensioners-free-national-bus-travel/#comment-76488 No.5 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:00:11 +0000 http://ventnorblog.com/?p=33970#comment-76488 it should be means tested it should be means tested

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]]> By: Sailor Sam http://ventnorblog.com/2009/11/06/3m-year-expected-cost-to-island-of-pensioners-free-national-bus-travel/#comment-76483 Sailor Sam Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:17:16 +0000 http://ventnorblog.com/?p=33970#comment-76483 Not all todays over 60's have paid their council tax, worked all their lives contributed to the state and even lived in this country ect but still get the same benefit as those who have. Is that fair? Not all todays over 60’s have paid their council tax, worked all their lives contributed to the state and even lived in this country ect but still get the same benefit as those who have. Is that fair?

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]]> By: Rob http://ventnorblog.com/2009/11/06/3m-year-expected-cost-to-island-of-pensioners-free-national-bus-travel/#comment-76482 Rob Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:16:36 +0000 http://ventnorblog.com/?p=33970#comment-76482 I will be eligible for my bus pass in 4 months time, and yet I work full time, receive a pension, my wife works in a well paid job. Of course I should not receive this benefit. I am not unusual, particularly on the Isle of Wight and I get sick and tired of well off pensioners bleating about money - perhaps if they'd put some money away during their working lives they wouldn't be so poor now. The people I feel sorry for are youngsters on minimum wage (£4.60 at age 18). They can't afford the cost of driving lessons never mind buying a car, and they have to pay full price for their bus journey to work. Instead of paying for pensioners days out on the buses we should be helping them. I will be eligible for my bus pass in 4 months time, and yet I work full time, receive a pension, my wife works in a well paid job. Of course I should not receive this benefit. I am not unusual, particularly on the Isle of Wight and I get sick and tired of well off pensioners bleating about money – perhaps if they’d put some money away during their working lives they wouldn’t be so poor now.

The people I feel sorry for are youngsters on minimum wage (£4.60 at age 18). They can’t afford the cost of driving lessons never mind buying a car, and they have to pay full price for their bus journey to work. Instead of paying for pensioners days out on the buses we should be helping them.

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]]> By: Cllr Geoff Lumley http://ventnorblog.com/2009/11/06/3m-year-expected-cost-to-island-of-pensioners-free-national-bus-travel/#comment-76480 Cllr Geoff Lumley Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:03:15 +0000 http://ventnorblog.com/?p=33970#comment-76480 Steve But is it £3m ? They have managed to reduce it by £800k in the last year. Whose to say it's not in reality even less ? Their track record on this figure is all over the place. I don't believe them, the government probably doesn't; and at the end of the day you get what you get and you work with it. Geoff Steve

But is it £3m ? They have managed to reduce it by £800k in the last year. Whose to say it’s not in reality even less ? Their track record on this figure is all over the place. I don’t believe them, the government probably doesn’t; and at the end of the day you get what you get and you work with it.

Geoff

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]]> By: SB http://ventnorblog.com/2009/11/06/3m-year-expected-cost-to-island-of-pensioners-free-national-bus-travel/#comment-76478 SB Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:38:42 +0000 http://ventnorblog.com/?p=33970#comment-76478 Geoff, £3M is still £60 per household (50000 homes) on the island, in ADDITION to every household's contribution in direct taxes to fund the government’s distributed element. That's about £100 per household on the Island. Whilst not questioning the merits to the beneficiaries, let's not hide the true cost. Another consequence is that the minimum fare on SV (£2.50) might just have something to do with the reimbursement mechanism. Not very green it terms of encouraging options for fare-paying occasional users is it? Stephen Geoff,

£3M is still £60 per household (50000 homes) on the island, in ADDITION to every household’s contribution in direct taxes to fund the government’s distributed element. That’s about £100 per household on the Island.

Whilst not questioning the merits to the beneficiaries, let’s not hide the true cost.

Another consequence is that the minimum fare on SV (£2.50) might just have something to do with the reimbursement mechanism. Not very green it terms of encouraging options for fare-paying occasional users is it?

Stephen

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]]> By: L Pinkerton http://ventnorblog.com/2009/11/06/3m-year-expected-cost-to-island-of-pensioners-free-national-bus-travel/#comment-76473 L Pinkerton Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:38:40 +0000 http://ventnorblog.com/?p=33970#comment-76473 It's a wonderful scheme that allows you to get out a bit and to important places like St Mary's for treatment. I bless the Labour Government for establishing the scheme, after all I pay full council tax for which I get my bin emptied and free 'bus travel, with some bad grace from Eddie Giles and the Council it seems. It’s a wonderful scheme that allows you to get out a bit and to important places like St Mary’s for treatment. I bless the Labour Government for establishing the scheme, after all I pay full council tax for which I get my bin emptied and free ‘bus travel, with some bad grace from Eddie Giles and the Council it seems.

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]]> By: Stuart George http://ventnorblog.com/2009/11/06/3m-year-expected-cost-to-island-of-pensioners-free-national-bus-travel/#comment-76457 Stuart George Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:39:08 +0000 http://ventnorblog.com/?p=33970#comment-76457 It's a pity the council doesn't seem to know that the scheme doesn't apply to the whole of the UK, but only to English pensioners. In addition, they always quote the cost of the scheme but fail to quote the government contribution to it and the fact that they made a significant contribution to the previous half-fare scheme. In short, they appear more interested in making political capital out of it rather than in stating the true facts. Let them say how much they receive and how much they pay out so that we can see the real situation. It’s a pity the council doesn’t seem to know that the scheme doesn’t apply to the whole of the UK, but only to English pensioners. In addition, they always quote the cost of the scheme but fail to quote the government contribution to it and the fact that they made a significant contribution to the previous half-fare scheme. In short, they appear more interested in making political capital out of it rather than in stating the true facts. Let them say how much they receive and how much they pay out so that we can see the real situation.

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]]> By: Cllr Geoff Lumley http://ventnorblog.com/2009/11/06/3m-year-expected-cost-to-island-of-pensioners-free-national-bus-travel/#comment-76445 Cllr Geoff Lumley Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:00:48 +0000 http://ventnorblog.com/?p=33970#comment-76445 Does this Tory Council have any idea what it is doing? I recall that last year the 'shortfall' was claimed to be £3.8 million, and I have the documents to prove it. Now they are saying it is £3 million - a difference of £800,000. Hardly chicken feed ! No wonder Government doesn't meet all their demands if they can't calculate the precise shortfall. The doubling of Government grant for next year - which is what has been awarded - is a result in most people's book. But not to Island Tories who seem to think taxpayers are a bottomless pit. Stop moaning IW Council about the claimed 'shortfall'and just be pleased that you make some sort of contribution - probably a lot smaller than you now claim - to the highly popular concessionary fares scheme. Better than wasting it on other nonsense. Does this Tory Council have any idea what it is doing?

I recall that last year the ’shortfall’ was claimed to be £3.8 million, and I have the documents to prove it. Now they are saying it is £3 million – a difference of £800,000. Hardly chicken feed !

No wonder Government doesn’t meet all their demands if they can’t calculate the precise shortfall.

The doubling of Government grant for next year – which is what has been awarded – is a result in most people’s book. But not to Island Tories who seem to think taxpayers are a bottomless pit.

Stop moaning IW Council about the claimed ’shortfall’and just be pleased that you make some sort of contribution – probably a lot smaller than you now claim – to the highly popular concessionary fares scheme. Better than wasting it on other nonsense.

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