Concessionary travel passes

Dear Mr Eriksohn,

I acknowledge your request for information received on 29^th January
2009.

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The Campus, Welwyn Garden City, Herts AL8 6LA, tel 01707 357413, email:
[1][Welwyn Hatfield District Council request email] .

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Information Commissioner's Office

Wycliffe House, Water Lane

Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF

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Yours sincerely

Ian Colyer

Freedom of Information Officer

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council

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Dear Mr Eriksohn,

Thank you for your request for information received on 29^th January 2009.
I have set out the Council's response below. I apologise for the delay in
responding to your request.

1. Does your authority provide concessionary travel passes to those
individuals registered with their Social Services department as disabled
on the grounds of being a mental health user or survivor? - Yes. Welwyn
Hatfield Borough Council issues bus permits within the guidelines provided
for in the Transport Act 2000. These guidelines are available through the
Department for Transport website. Mental Health falls within the category
of "driving licence refusal" in these guidelines due to the assumption
that a person with severe mental health problems would likely to be
refused a driving licence. A copy of the Council's Bus Pass application
form is attached.

2. If your authority does have such arrangements why was the decision
taken to extend the scheme in this way and what arrangements are in place?
- The Council operate within the guidance notes for mental health as
stated above. No one would be refused the chance to apply for a bus pass
but we would require as much information as possible to support their
application.

3. If your authority does not have such arrangements does your authority
have some other arrangement beyond the statutory minimum to provide passes
to those with mental health issues?

N/A

4. If your authority does not have such arrangements why was the decision
taken not to extend the scheme in this way and has consideration been
given to extending the scheme in this way in the future?

N/A

5. Would it be possible to provide copies of any relevant policy documents
you may have? - See the answer to question 1. Bus pass application form
attached.

I hope this satisfies your request but if you have any queries or concerns
then please contact Ian Colyer, Freedom of Information Officer, Welwyn
Hatfield Council, Council Offices, The Campus, Welwyn Garden City, Herts
AL8 6LA, Telephone: 01707 357413, Email: [1][Welwyn Hatfield District Council request email] . I
attach a copy of the Freedom of Information complaint procedure.

Further information is also available from the Information Commissioner
at:

Information Commissioner's Office

Wycliffe House

Water Lane

Wilmslow

Cheshire SK9 5AF

Telephone: 01625 545 700

[2]www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk

Yours sincerely

Ian Colyer

Freedom of Information Officer

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council

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