Sketch: Councillors Back Increase in Cost of Bus Pass
Ticket to ride still value for money, meeting told
Maybe it was the coverage of President Macron getting up close and personal with the American President Donald Trump but there was something of the ‘entente-cordiale’ at a county council committee meeting this week…
While the leader of the free world and the French President engaged in a mutual love-in and tried to convince us they were best buddies, there was an equally collegial and cooperative atmosphere at County Hall.
County councillors were scrutinising an increase in the cost of the Kent Travel pass, a flagship policy of the Conservative administration for several years, which provides free travel on buses for 11-to-16-olds.
The increase in the cost of the pass has led to a political ritual, in which the councillors from all parties express their dismay at the year’s rise but say there is no alternative if they are to balance the books.
It has been a sensitive policy from the outset and that is always heightened in the run-up to an election - as is the case this year.
This year, the increase means the pass will cost £580 - up by £30 - and according to a report the hike “is forecast to generate £435,690 in additional income, based on ticket sales in 24/25.”
Not that that is the most important aspect but in the context of KCC’s wider budget issues, not unimportant either.
And to be fair, while the outlay is considerable, it still gives youngsters (or their parents) cheaper travel on buses with the average cost of a typical journey about half of what it would be without the pass.
So what did the Councillors have to say?
At this week’s meeting, there was limited dismay with Conservative members instead brimming with gratitude, among them Cllr Harry Rayner who has often been a thorn in the side of his own party.
He told his colleagues: “Some may disagree but this is as good a result as I have seen at KCC in my time. I am really pleased that the increases have been held at what are relatively reasonable levels. My view is that this is as good as we have a right to expect. The Kent Travel Saver offers excellent value for money.”
It was like hearing an ad agency ruminating on slogans for a billboard campaign or a local government version of ‘Britain’s Got Talent’.
There were dissenting voices - well, at least one - with Green councillor Mark Hood saying the increase of 15% was one less well-off families who did not qualify for the scheme’s discounts would find it hard to pay.
“It’s those who are just managing who do not qualify for that that I am worried about. It is not getting any easier out there.”
It certainly was an easier ride for the Conservative cabinet member Neil Baker, who told the meeting that the increase was about as low as KCC could offer given the government’s funding arrangements.
His warning that things could get stickier next year failed to perturb fellow Conservative Cllr David Robey, who represents Ashford Rural South.
He was impressed by Mr Baker’s “marvellous speech” - although Cllr Baker sounded a note of caution about the gloomy outlook if the government didn’t commit to funding public transport on the same level next year.
For his part, Mr Baker remained self-effacing and reminded the committee that at its previous meeting, members had heaped praise on the officer in charge, Phil Lightowler rather than he had - and figuratively - carried him aloft in acclamation for his efforts. You can watch the meeting here.
It was all a little strange - heaven knows how delirious councillors would have been if KCC was to cut the cost of the travel pass. Still, the looming election is clearly on the mind of members.