PEOPLE who could lose vital travel vouchers when a free bus pass scheme is introduced will have their say tomorrow.

Disabled people and their carers are furious at Government rules which mean that Maidstone council's vouchers - which are used by disabled people for any kind of transport, including taxis - will be scrapped to make way for free bus travel for over-60s.

It will be debated on Tuesday, February 5, at a special council meeting at Maidstone Town Hall, in the High Street, 6.30pm. The Town Hall has disabled access.

As a result of Government funding rules for the new scheme, Maidstone council says it has no choice but to scrap its vouchers, which are available to people under 60 and are not restricted to buses.

The motion put to the meeting will be: “The council regrets the Government’s failure to fund fully the new national concessionary fares travel scheme and in particular the limitations to the funding that will affect the lives of disabled people and carers in Maidstone.

“The council calls on the Government to reconsider its decision on the criteria for the national scheme and to include companion passes, on a national basis, for the benefit of disabled people.”

During the meeting councillors will answer questions that have been submitted by members of the public.

Cllr Julia Batt (Lib Dem), who called the cross-party meeting, said she was particularly concerned with the loss of companion passes for carers who accompany people with disablilities or mobility problems.

The national scheme will give free bus travel for the over 60s between 9.30am and 11pm on weekdays and through the weekend, and free bus travel for eligible people with disabilities and mobility problems of any age.