A CONSULTATION on scrapping free bus travel for disabled residents to benefit from at any time will be launched tomorrow (Friday).

Reading Borough Council has planned proposals to remove the Access Pass for its disabled residents.

The council wants to use the national scheme, which only permits free bus travel between 9.30am and 11pm, Monday to Friday.

They can be used anytime on weekends and bank holidays.

Councillor Tony Page, lead member for transport, blamed government cuts to the council's budget.

He said: "For many years this council offered Access Pass Holders a bus concessionary scheme over and above the national scheme, meaning disabled residents could travel for free on buses in Reading at any time, instead of only between 9.30am and 11.00pm Monday to Fridays as the national scheme permits.

“Last year the council had to revert to the national concessionary scheme for older people in Reading. It is now with great regret we have to propose the same for disabled residents. If agreed, the change would come into effect on 1st April 2019 and would bring Reading into line with many other local authority areas which do not provide any subsidy and only offer the national scheme.

“This is yet another example of how Government cuts are impacting on the public services which are offered by local councils and the people that rely on them. The reality is subsidies like the one Reading offered for concessionary fares, are virtually impossible in the face of the severe cuts which have taken place at a time when demand on key services, like adults and children’s social care, are rising to unprecedented levels."

Residents have eight weeks to voice their concerns, by responding to the consultation.

The proposal is one of a string of cost-cutting measures the council has made.

Cllr Page added: "

“I would urge as many people as possible to take part in this important consultation which runs until Friday 20th July 2018.”