Bell welcomes new Free Travel Plans for the Elderly
Lagan Valley MLA and UUP Older Persons Spokesperson Billy Bell has welcomed plans by the British and Irish governments to offer pensioners unlimited free travel on both sides of the border.
The scheme could be running by April 2007. A consultation is being launched on Monday.
Mr Bell said:
“This is extremely welcome news for pensioners everywhere. Anything that helps alleviate financial burden for the elderly should be welcomed, especially at a time when 50pc of pensioners in Northern Ireland are living on less than the national average of household income.
“However, the government needs to go further than extending travel discounts. With so many pensioners living below the poverty they will hardly be in a position to go on day trips. If the government is serious about giving pensioners what they really need, they should create a Universal Pension Of £110 A Week and an end to means tested Benefits, something which Ulster Unionist’s have repeatedly called for. This is the financial help which will really count”.