Bus pass time!

I would just like to have something from the government that says thanks for being a higher rate tax payer for the last 35 years and not claiming benefits. 

Here's a bus pass (stuff means testing for once) 

I am not suggesting means testing as all that I have read on the subject suggests it costs more to implement than the benefits acheived. I just think a simple rule that those on Pension Credit would not pay the card fee. 

David

Means testing does indeed cost a disproportinate amount to collect so that would be counter productive. I appreciate you were not suggesting that David.

To be honest, I don't know what pension credit is.

I just think that it would be nice to reward those that have willingly and honestly paid their dues into the system without government attemps to claw it back.

Pension Credit is a top up to the regular State Pension for those whose income fall below a certain level, so in effect the poorest pensioners. 

David

Thanks David. 

I had heard of credits for various benefits but had no idea what they were all about 

Anyone on pension credit (the guarantee part) will also get full Council Tax Reduction i.e. you don't pay it.

Pension credit is a 'means tested' benefit, but because the 'means testing' has already been done to establish that you get it, that automatically passports you onto other benefits.

Never been on benefits. It's always been me paying out so I would like a non means tested bus pass please. 

Never been on benefits. It's always been me paying out so I would like a non means tested bus pass please. 

 

Agree with what you say Fysh, which is what we have at the moment. However, as I'm more or less in the same situation as yourself, I don't mind a small charge for the pass...

Ironically, i have just completed my application for a bus pass this morning.

I have been eligible for one for some time, but have never bothered until now. A friend of mine suggested that i should apply. Not sure about a 'small administartion fee'. I may not use it much, and then it may become cheaper to drive. As someone who doesn't qualify for pension credit, but will have to budget much more carefull from now on, i reckon i have earn't a bus pass for free.

A small charge i.e. £25 would deter some from applying as several couples we know got them as it was Free but do not use them ,and I think? council's pay an Amount for each issued?to the fund for their use