Does your Authority provide concessionary travel passes to those individuals registered with their local Social Services department as disabled on the grounds of being a mental health user or survivor?

Thurrock Council would provide concessionary passes to those who are suffering from severe mental disorder and would be refused a driving licence, in accordance with the guidance from the Department of Transport.

We would ask for evidence to support their application from their Doctor/Social Worker.

If your Authority does have such arrangements why was the decision taken to extend the scheme in this way and what arrangements are place?

Not applicable

If your Authority does not have such arrangements does your Authority have some other arrangement beyond the statuary minimum to provide passes to those with mental health issues?

Thurrock Council has not extended the scheme as such, but looks at each individual application and if appropriate evidence is supplied and the appropriate body (doctor or social worker) gives support for the applicant's application, would issue a permit to someone who is deemed to suffer from a severe mental disorder.

Would it be possible to provide copies of any relevant policy documents you may have?

Thurrock Council does not hold any policy documents, which are relevant to your request.

Thurrock Council follows the guidelines provided by the Department of Transport for the issuing of the National Concessionary bus pass, a copy of the guidance can be found on the Department of Transport's website www.dft.gov.uk and a copy of Thurrock application form can be found at this address http://www.thurrock.gov.uk/travel/transport/pdf/bus_scheme_2008_form.pdf