Published: 10/03/2010 08:38 - Updated: 10/03/2010 15:18

PLANS to make people wait until they are 65 before receiving community discount cards has angered people living in Ashbourne.

Derbyshire County Council say the changes to their Gold Card service are being introduced because age-related benefits, like free bus travel, are being brought in line with the state pension age increasing to 65 for women as well as men.

Andrea Cooke, speaking on behalf of the Ashbourne and District 50+ forum, says the council's changes are ‘squeezing the elderly’ by announcing plans that will mean anyone born after April 5, 1955 will have to wait until they are 65 to get their Gold Card.

The card provides discounted rail travel, decreased library fees and free community transport.

The changes will not apply for people applying because they have a disability.

Ms Cooke suggested the council would be better off if it ‘staggered’ the process in the same way the Government is handling pensions nationally.

She said: “While I have every sympathy that the council needs to save money and they are prevented from raising Council Tax any higher by the Government, it seems that, yet again, elderly and vulnerable people are being penalised because they are an easy target. Maybe they should concentrate on people higher up the ‘food chain’.”

 

The council has set aside £440,000 to help fund Gold Cards for another year. The decision follows a consultation with card holders, in which 58 per cent of respondents said they were happy with the existing scheme.

Councillor Chris Jackson, the cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “We know how much Gold Card holders rely on discounted rail travel and free community transport to get out and about, particularly in rural areas. We’re delighted to be able to offer these benefits again this year.”

 

From April 6, the Government is introducing changes to the date people across the country can apply for the national travel pass. The Gold Card, however, offers people a range of other discounts ranging from cheap accommodation to free library services and business price reductions.

 

Everyone approaching 60 will have to wait a number of extra months before they are eligible for a Gold Card unless they have a disability. The council says the alternative would have been to make everyone nearing 60 to wait a full five years.

Anyone who has already reached 60, but does not have a Gold Card, can apply now.

Residents turning 60 on or before April 5 can apply up to seven days before their birthday.

People who are unsure when they will be eligible can call Derbyshire County Council on 08456 058 058 for help and advice. Anyone who would like to apply for a Gold Card should contact Derbyshire Dales District Council on 01629 761100