Government responds amid fears pensioners could lose free bus travel in Budget

The government has responded amid fears pensioners could lose free bus travel in the upcoming Autumn Budget.

In light of the Winter Fuel Payment cuts, both the Prime Minister and Chancellor Rachel Reeves have hinted at further cuts to restore economic balance in government finances, but have not specified where these may happen. This has sparked fears over continued commitments to free bus travel for over 60s.

For those aged 60 or over, the card currently does not have an expiry date and remains valid for life. The Tory opposition claimed the Labour party was refusing to commit to continuing the free bus travel scheme.

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However, a government spokesperson has responded to the fears claiming the party has no plans to withdraw the scheme at this time. They added: "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.”

In her letter to Labour transport secretary Louise Haigh, shadow transport secretary Helen Whately said: “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.

"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.”

The Prime Minister himself has so far been tight-lipped on the specifics of the upcoming Budget on October 30. He responded instead with: "I am not going to pre-empt the Budget.

"It will all be set out in due course." Millions of state pensioners are still reeling from the unexpected announcement by the new Labour Government that Winter Fuel Payments will only be issued to around 1.5 million people this year, in an attempt to plug a £22 billion 'black hole' in public finances.

This means that approximately 10 million pensioners who do not receive income-related benefits such as Pension Credit will miss out on the annual heating bill assistance worth between £100 and £300. There is growing speculation that the Autumn Budget on October 30 could see changes to Capital Gains Tax, Inheritance Tax, the ISA allowance and the personal savings allowance, reports the Daily Record.

Council Tax is another area that could see changes, as reported by The Telegraph.

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