Free pensioner bus travel campaign success

4.46.48pm GMT Fri 18th Mar 2005

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Campaigner, Michael Headley, welcomed the news that at long last pensioners look set to be entitled to free local bus travel.

Michael Headley supported free travel for all pensioners

Liberal Democrats have been pressing for this since before the 2001 election. Locally, Michael Headley has led the recent campaign for free pensioner bus travel, following the Council's threat to increase the fares. The proposal has now been supported by the government in its budget.

Now Michael Headley and the Lib Dems are stepping up their campaign to provide free personal care, such as help with bathing or feeding, for the sick and elderly.

Speaking following the announcement, Lib Dem parliamentary campaigner Michael Headley, said:

"This is great news for pensioners. Until now there had been a postcode lottery for the cost of pensioners travel across the country. With the threat of increased fares in Bedford this year the free fares have come at a good time for local pensioners. I am very pleased that after more than 4 years of campaigning from Liberal Democrats and pensioners groups this has now been agreed."

"However, there is much more the government should be doing for older people. In particular I am campaigning to see an end to charges for help that some sick and elderly people need with personal care such as bathing and feeding. This is such a straight forward care need and it is wrong that people are charged for this basic help."