Pensioners' fury in bus passes row

Thousands of pensioners all over Telford are being told to hand back their free bus passes if they do not agree to their personal details being passed on as part of a national fraud-busting scheme.The news has sparked an angry response from older people in the borough, who are worried about their details being spread around and losing free transport. The borough council says anyone who hands in their pass will not be issued with another one.

Local authorities across England are being asked to provide details of concessionary travel pass holders to the Government's Audit Commission as part of an anti-fraud initiative.

Details will be compared to information provided by other public bodies.

The aim is to stop situations arising such as pensions or benefits being paid to people who have died or who are not entitled to them.

But pensioner Harry Taylor, of Muxton, who is Telford and Wrekin chairman for British Pensioners and Trade Union Action Association, said he had been bombarded with calls from worried bus pass users.

"We've got this free bus pass but if we don't abide by their rules we will lose our bus pass," he said.

"You can't trust the Government to look after your details properly. It feels like we're being penalised. People are really worried."

Councillor Steve Bentley, cabinet member for transport at Telford & Wrekin Council, said: "The letter will advise people that if they do not want their information to be forwarded to the Audit Commission they will need to return their bus card as soon as possible.

"This would be regrettable and I expect inconvenient for some people.

"However, I hope that people will understand the need for the council to comply with this instruction, as it makes sure only people who are entitled to benefits or a bus card receive them."

Bus pass holders who do want their data removed are urged to return their pass in person to Telford Travelink in the Telford Town Centre bus station by September 19.

By Lizzie Yates