Disabled travel pass

[Blue4rose]

Our local authority has a 10 week backlog for renewal of passes, even though the required evidence has been submitted. This is a long time for people with disabilities to have to pay full fares whilst they are waiting. My son has had a pass for many years and it has not been a significant problem in the past. If a renewal is needed for an over 65s pass it only takes a few days, so cannot understand why those with disabilities are being made to wait this length of time. Has anyone else come across this?

[Charlie2750 Community friend]

Hello Blue4rose.

I am sorry to hear of your problem but I have no experience of delays.

I have 2 sons one of whom is registered blind and lives independently He does not have learning disabilities.When I say lives independently he lives alone but he is always losing things.Mobile phones wallets etc.Bank cards and bus pass nearly every month .I normally apply on-line for a replacement and pay the £10 and it arrives within the week.They don't ask for evidence or photo although it is possible that as it is a replacement for lost they probably don't need the evidence.Are you just applying for a replacement?

I note it is a renewal so sorry for asking. Some times it is a pain but there is nothing you can do to speed up the system and just be patient.Ring them and explain and keep doing that to make sure they havent lost the details.Good luck

[Blue4rose in reply to Charlie2750]

Thank you for replying, I will keep trying but so far they are just adament that they are still dealing with November applications and there is no way of speeding things up. It sound as though it may just be this particular local authority which is such a problem

[Charlie2750 Community friend in reply to Blue4rose]

I can see that there is a 3 month delay in Wales.Some times delays just happen and it is sad when you wait for things and it just doesn't get easier and there is nothing you can do.

It doent help but the sun is out today and the evenings will be getting lighter.I am sure that when you get the bus pass the weather will be at least better.

[Freddy44]

There is a delay where I live too. It's very frustrating. It might seem a bit dramatic but have you contacted your local councillor to ask for their support. I've done that a few times ( on other issues) and they've been really helpful.

[Blue4rose in reply to Freddy44]

Not yet, we don’t live in the same local authority as our son but it something we were considering, even if only to bring this issue to the attention of local councillors. Thank you for the suggestion, we will look into this possibility

[Charlie2750 Community friend in reply to Blue4rose]

Hello again

Can you write to his local Councillor or even his MP.?

What would happen if you used your address because it is a National bus pass also apart from Scotland you can use it all over England.It is disappointing that as this is a national thing that it cannot be dealt with at a national level or even helped out by a local authority that doesn't have a back log.Sorry we all cannot be any more help.

[Blue4rose in reply to Charlie2750]

I am pleased to have had so many replies/comments. As far as I am aware you have to apply through the local authority where you live. However, if it is a general issue which is affecting people who have a bus pass on grounds of a disability it might be more effective if charities such as Mencap, local Carers groups, etc were to attempt to address it. Otherwise we are all just acting as individuals who are easily fobbed off.

[Head_cook in reply to Blue4rose]

Totally agree, they can’t ignore a group.