- Conference
- 2012 National Disabled Members' Conference
- Date
- 6 July 2012
- Decision
- Carried as Amended
Conference is concerned about the level of bus services in both towns and rural areas of the country. These are being cut because of the policies of this Tory led Government. While transport in London is being improved and expanded the rest of the country are suffering.
Bus services were supported by the previous Labour Governments through fuel duty rebates and concessionary travel grants as they were aware that while some routes were vital to the community they would not necessarily be profit making. This helped disabled people maintain their independence. The cutbacks that are being imposed mean bus companies struggle to provide services in many areas after 6 o’clock in the evening. In some areas there is no service at all.
The impact on disabled people is devastating with some becoming housebound due to the lack of transport. This is leading to increased social exclusion and economic isolation. Disabled people are becoming increasingly lonely and unable to lead any kind of social life.
This conference asks the National Disabled Members Committee to:
1. gather evidence of the impact of the cuts to public transport on disabled members;
2. to use this evidence to support the “Campaign for Better Transport” and “save our bus campaign”; and
3. lobby government to restore the levels of concessionary travel grants paid to local government.