[5] According to Age UK free bus travel is a life line enabling older people to maintain independence and get to local services, notably health care and shopping.

The local government spending squeeze means what is required by law is undeliverable unless county councils put in extra subsidy.

The concessionary fares scheme provides a lifeline for our most vulnerable residents to go shopping, pick up medication, attend doctor’s appointments or socialise with friends.

The current level of this funding is protected until 2015/16[14][13] As is common for uncontroversial measures, the Bill was introduced in the House of Lords, where it received cross-party support.

Under the commencement order, the Bill entered into force to allow the making of some regulations by the Secretary of State, and for some other preliminary purposes, on 17 October 2007, and in full on 1 April 2008.