Born in 1946 and brought up in Cupar, Fife, I was educated at the local school - National Concessionary Travel Scheme
5. Des McNulty (Clydebank and Milngavie) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will admit community transport operators and people on the lower rate of disability living allowance to the national concessionary travel scheme. (S3O-5585)
The Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change (Stewart Stevenson):
The Scotland-wide free bus travel scheme for older and disabled people already includes community transport services, which are locally registered services. The review of the scheme is nearing completion and has been considering how the scheme could be improved.
Des McNulty: I hope that the minister is aware of the views of the providers and users of community transport in Buckie, along with the views of similar people throughout Scotland who support Charlie Gordon's proposed bill on bus regulation, and the views of people in disability groups, especially those that represent people with learning and mental health disabilities. Why, when the minister provided such strong support for the inclusion of community transport and people on the lower rate of disability living allowance when he was in opposition, is he not prepared to take the issue forward in government?
Stewart Stevenson: On 15 December, I met some of the charities that are involved in the issue to hear their case. I am fully engaged in the matter. Considerable complexities are involved. I have asked for a special study on the community transport services aspect of the question. I expect to move forward shortly with the broad review that we are undertaking. We expect to publish the review report in the next couple of months.
