St Albans taxi voucher scheme set for review

NEW criteria for the issuing of taxi vouchers is to be introduced from next April after the district council overspent its budget for the scheme earlier this year. For a number of years people over the age of 75 and those with a permanent disability who d

NEW criteria for the issuing of taxi vouchers is to be introduced from next April after the district council overspent its budget for the scheme earlier this year.

For a number of years people over the age of 75 and those with a permanent disability who don't have access to a private car have been eligible for �60-worth of taxi vouchers annually.

But by April this year, the budget had been busted and people expecting their vouchers did not receive them and were told to re-apply in February.

After a huge outcry, the council decided to continue issuing the vouchers while a review was carried out on the eligibility criteria for the scheme.

An additional �37,300 has now been put in the budget for the issue of taxi vouchers during the remainder of the current financial year.

Then, from April, the new criteria will be introduced which limits the scheme to applicants in receipt of Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance.

A further report will go to the council's cabinet after options for partnership working to replace the taxi voucher scheme are explored with interested parties.

Cllr Mike Ellis, portfolio holder for environment, said at last week's (9) cabinet meeting: "Since we have a limited budget to spent, it is important that we reach those people who need taxi vouchers for their quality of life.