Bus Passes

[Tâf]

The twins have concessionary bus passes due to their disabilities. The new criteria is very hard to achieve under PIP points rules, basically things like you couldn't walk the length of a bus(so how to get to the back seats on a crowded bus?)

All applications are now centralised with Transport For Wales, and they are well known for employing parrots that work strictly from a script with no deviation allowed.

The lad lost his pass, and tried to get a replacement. The agent stuck to the script. "How many PIP points do you have?" "Your PIP is about to be reviewed, we cannot issue a pass until we have the new level of points".

But they got theirs after their GP filled in a form to say that they would be refused a Driving Licence.

That is not now sufficient. They need an expert in their disabilities to write a letter to DVLA, who must then write to the applicant stating that they do not qualify for a Driving Licence. Such an expert is not available, and even if there was one, it might take years to get an appointment and finally a letter to DVLA.

Why is bureaucracy so anti-disabled people?

          

[El]

Because he  has no mobility at all, he qualified for wheelchair taxi vouchers. We paid £30 and got wheelchair taxi vouchers worth £120. That was a big help in the days of hospital visits.
We had to provide his current year  pip statement (ages to get through on the phone etc)  , then a photo, and a long form.
That was every single year. Seems crazy especially when he got a 10 Yr pip award.
Anyhow, once he reached 66, we got a letter that as he now qualifies for a free bus pass, he does not qualify for wheelchair taxis    There is no way on earth that he can get on a bus 
I find bureaucracy the hardest and most stressful side of caring for his disability 

[Tâf]

I find bureaucracy the hardest and most stressful side of caring for his disability 

As it is for many. Some MPs brought up the subject of "additional financial help" for those with certain disabilities to help with the higher power costs. The DWP shot it down by saying that DLA and PIP "contain elements to pay for such things".

[fred]

Doncha know that they have to find the money to pay for tax cuts for their rich donors from somewhere?

[Tâf]

Doncha know that they have to find the money to pay for tax cuts for their rich donors from somewhere?

This was the decision of the Labour-led Welsh Arsembly.