Dear Sir or Madam,

I would like to make a request as regards to the concessionary
travel arrangements in your authority under the terms of Freedom of
Information Act.

1. 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?

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?

3. If your authority does have such arrangements does you authority
have some other arrangement beyond the statuary minimum to provide
passes to those with mental health issues?

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?

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

Your assistance is greatly appreciated.

Yours faithfully,

Robert Eriksohn

Dear Mr Eriksohn,

Re: Freedom of Information request - Concessionary Travel passes

Thank you for your recent email. I passed your request on to the Customer Contact Team for Community Services. They have provided me with the following information, which I hope will answer your enquiry.

West Dorset District Council issues concessionary travel passes in accordance with both the Concessionary Bus Travel Act 2007 and the Transport Act 2000, which defines the seven categories of disability under which an applicant can qualify for a pass. This Council also follows the guidance issued by the Department of Transport, when assessing the eligibility of disabled people in relation to the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme.

An applicant aged under 60, who applies for a concessionary bus pass must satisfy the eligibility conditions as contained in the above Acts, and in accordance with the guidance notes provided by the Department of Transport. Where an individual applies on the grounds of one of the qualifying types of disability, this Council may require medical evidence to be provided by a GP or independent medical professional. If an applicant applies because they have a learning disability this Council would either require medical evidence provided by an independent medical professional, and/or proof of registration with our local Social Services department.

There are a number of categories of "severe mental disorder" under which people may qualify. These would be assessed on a case-by-case basis, as eligibility may depend of the severity of the condition. If each case we would seek the opinion of an independent medical professional.

As already mentioned, we do follow the guidance produced by the DfT, and this can be found at the following web link: http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/regional/buses...

I hope it provides you with more detailed information, in relation to your enquiry.

This would appear to conclude your enquiry satisfactorily. If you have any concerns in respect of our response to your information request, please contact me again.

If you are not satisfied with the response, you may write to the Legal Services Manager at West Dorset District Council, Stratton House, 58-60 High West Street, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1UZ or complete the on-line complaint form that can be found at www.dorsetforyou.com. If after this you are still not satisfied, you may write to the Chief Executive at the above address. If your complaint is not resolved to your complete satisfaction, you have the right to apply to the Information Commissioner for a decision.

Yours sincerely

David Wignall
Solicitor and Freedom of Information Officer

Legal Services Division
West Dorset District Council
Stratton House
58-60 High West Street
Dorchester
Dorset DT1 1UZ

show quoted sections