Home   News   Article

Highland Council wants slow rise in free bus pass age





Council has not objected to the proposed increase
Council has not objected to the proposed increase

Highland Council has not objected to plans to increase the eligible age for a free bus pass.

Currently anyone aged 60 or over is entitled to travel around the country for free by bus but now a consultation has been launched to consider gradually raising it to the state pension age.

In its response to the consultation, the local authority did not object to the idea, but asked for a slow increase of the eligible age, such as of 61 in 2019, 62 in 2021 and so on until it equals the pension age

The response said this would strike a fair balance in light of the ageing population and a need to save money.

It stated: "It is recommended that we support an increase to age 61 in 2019 62 in 2021 and so on.

"This gives reasonable compromise between a sudden increase in eligible age and a lengthy transition which would reduce the saving achieved."

The response also welcomed plans to provide a similar free bus pass scheme to people working through a modern apprenticeship.


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More