Pensioner’s bus passes delayed to pay deficit
Do you remember in the not too distant past (2005 to be precise) we were all promised free bus passes upon reaching the milestone age of 60? How we rejoiced, even though it took two years before it finally came into legislation.
Then last autumn, the chancellor quietly slipped in amongst the other pre-budget info’ that in 2010 the rules regarding free pensioners’ travel would change. And true to their word the rules have changed – retirement age has been raised to 65. As from the 6th April this year, anyone retiring at 60 who expects to receive free transport passes will have to wait another five years.
Although the change is now in force, the effects will be felt on a sliding scale. For those who are due to reach 60 this month will still be entitled to receive their pass this year but if anyone who reaches 60 in 2015 will have to wait another five years, and won’t receive their bus pass until 2020!
On one hand it can be argued that pensioners will still receive travel concessions upon reaching retirement age, but on the other, the goal posts have been move, as retirement age for women has been pushed back to bring it in line with men’s retirement age of 65 years.
Now for the official info
As from the 6th April both men and women will become eligible for travel concessions at the same age – 65 years. The state pension age for women will rise from 60 to 65 over the next ten years, and in turn the age of eligibility to free travel will rise incrementally between 2010 and 2020.
We know the treasury needs to claw back some cash to keep its head above water but why do pensioners have to get stuck with the bill?!
