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Mutiny on the buses
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| The pensioners refusing to pay IPR7508 |
PENSIONERS are boycotting a new charge that means they have to pay £3 a day to travel to day care centres.
The new fee was brought in last Friday for elderly people using buses to Whitecross Community Centre.
Florence Davenport, aged 95, from Old Liverpool Road, has been using the centre for more than 15 years and is one of those not paying
She said: "I came here in the first place for depression and now they are putting this sort of thing in our way so you can't come.
"We would not go out at all without this, we are housebound."
The day care users were sent a letter two weeks ago telling them they would now be charged for transport.
Tess Dickenson, from Haryngton Avenue, Bewsey, added: "We are all pensioners, we all have bus passes and therefore we are all entitled to free transport the length and breadth of the country. Our little journey cannot be bankrupting anybody."
The pensioners are now expected to pay £1.50 for each single trip, up to a total cost of £10 per week.
This amount is on top of other charges such as meal costs while at the centre.
But unlike other charges, the transport costs are not assessed on a person's financial situation, meaning that regardless of their income they all have to pay the same.
Annie O'Riley, aged 86, from Plumtree Avenue, Bewsey, said: "I'm not paying the charges, we do not think it is fair. I would stay at home if I had to pay."
Many of the volunteers who help to run the day care are also against the charges. Most of those go twice a week and after also paying for lunch they are paying £13 a week for a few hours at the centre.
Volunteer Kathleen Hickman said: "The council must get money for old people, where does it all go?
"They all come on these buses because they are in wheelchairs or have walking sticks."
Pam Smith, head of service social care for older people and people with a physical disability, said: "Following a review of the council charging policy for social care services, we are unable to provide this service free of charge.
"A flat rate was implemented following consultation with service users. This decision was not taken lightly and we wish to continue to provide the same level and quality of service."
vicki.stockman@guardiangrp.co.uk
6:20pm Thursday 8th May 2008
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