1:53pm Friday 18th September 2009
YOUNG people throughout County Durham could be given free bus passes, under proposals to be considered by transport officials.
Durham County Council chiefs are to investigate the potential costs and benefits of extending free local travel to everyone in the county aged under 19.
The move, which would likely be at a major cost to the authority, comes after a powerful scrutiny committee declared the issue “a matter of urgency”, highlighting transport problems faced by many youngsters wanting to use leisure and community facilities.
The news comes in spite of Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s announcement that cuts in public spending will have to be made if the Government is to meet its target of halving the £175bn state deficit within four years.
The council has already launched schemes offering free swimming for under 19s and free lunches for all primary school children.
Coun Simon Henig, the authority’s Labour leader, said: “This is something that a number of councillors feel would be the next step forward and feel it would be wonderful to provide.
“Clearly there are issues – it comes with a cost and it’s something officers will have to look into.
“We are aware of the national situation and people talking about making reductions in costs. But it would be fantastic to be able to provide it.”
Currently in County Durham, children under five travel free if accompanied by a fare-paying adult. Children aged five to 13 pay a concessionary rate.
Teenagers aged 14 to 16 pay half-price on weekends, school holidays and after 5pm on school days if they carry an Investing in Children Travel Card.
The proposal to introduce free travel for under 19s was contained in “Enjoy”, a report by the Overview and Scrutiny Working Group presented to the council’s executive cabinet, meeting in Easington on Wednesday.
Coun Joe Armstrong, chairman of the scrutiny and management board, said: “A theme coming through from young people was how do they access services.
“It was very strongly felt by young people that transport was the biggest problem they had.
“We would like cabinet to take a strong line on this and say exactly what it could do.”
The cabinet agreed to draw up firm proposals within six months. Any new scheme would be considered as part of the council’s annual budget process and could be piloted before being rolled out across the county.
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