Armed Forces veterans could get free bus passes

Armed Forces veterans could soon get free bus travel in Gloucestershire.

Gloucestershire County Council , externalagreed to draw up options to provide a free pass to all veterans and service personnel living in the county.

Councillors voted unanimously at a meeting on 8 November to approve a motion put forward by Green Party Councillors Cate Cody and Chris McFarling.

"Free bus passes for our county’s veterans and service personnel would help them financially," said Councillor Cate Cody.

"Especially those without cars who could perhaps get to work or see family and friends aiding their mental health and connectivity,” she added.

Bus transport cabinet member Philip Robinson said he broadly welcomed the motion and explained its core sentiment resonated with his side of the chamber, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service(LDRS).

But he said it raised an important question over the cost of such a scheme which could cost about £1m.

“That’s roughly the cost of four subsidised rural services," he said.

"I don’t want to be in the position of deciding which four rural services should be dispensed with for an extension in concessionary fares which might not have anything like the transformative effect,” he added.

Mr Robinson said the amended motion was a good way forward and the Conservatives were happy to support it as it would explore in detail the best way to help the county’s “deserving” veterans.

Officers will now be asked to draw up options for consideration by all group leaders as part of next year's draft budget.