Support this petition for free or cut-price travel for carers
Please add your signature to the petition.
As a carer myself, I should declare an interest in this particular matter.
Amanda Macdonald writes:
I have created a petition on change.org campaigning for free/concessionary travel for carers that I would appreciate you getting behind and showing your support.
I was a Carer from a Young Age to a family member who suffered a long fight with Early Onset Dementia from the age of 48, Epilepsy, Diabetes and many other conditions. I am also part of my local carers centre and have met many carers of all ages that all have had a huge impact on their lives from Caring. This is why I feel so strongly about this issue and have heard how much this simple change would help so many.
The proposal is that the government take the initiative to offer free/ concessionary transport for carers to allow them to better care. This could be possible either through adapting the concession and companion card which currently allows the carer to travel with the cared for but not separately which in most cases is needed or through some form of add on to carers allowance for those in receipt of it. Though preferably carers wouldn’t need to be in receipt of carers allowance as not every carer who could benefit from this travel are.
My petition has currently reached over 3600 signatures and is being backed by my local council’s petition board (Renfrewshire Council), in lobbying the Scottish Government to provide free/concessionary transport for unpaid carers.
Some other supporters of my petition include; Alzheimers Scotland, Dementia Friends Scotland, Downs Heart Group, Women For Independence, The coalition of carers, Carers UK, Carers Trust Scotland , ME Association, Enable Scotland and many MSP’s.
Any support you show would be truly appreciated.
The link below directs you to my petition. I would truly appreciate your signature and if you could encourage others by sharing it on your social media pages.
https://www.change.org/p/concessionary-transport-for-all-carers-they-require-your-help
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I know this is a good cause and caters deserve support … but … surely paying them a decent wage for carrying a burden that would otherwise fall on the shoulders of the NHS or local Authority would be a better solution, giving them more control over their choices. Just saying.
As a carer, I certainly agree!
But we have to try to win concessions where we can.
Basically modelled on the Disabled Person’s Railcard ( I hold one) where validity is 24/7/365 where my companion receives the same discount. I used to hold a Disabled Person’s bus pass but that only covered me. Any companion had to pay.
I go further and say we need FREE BUS and coach services in all city centers, to take all private cars OUT of city centres, to cut pollution in its many forms, and most of all traffic congestion. Makes the cities freer of CO2 and other poisonous gasses, and makes space for all necessary road traffic. Businesses would greatly benefit, and people would not have to be paid for sitting waiting at traffic lights for hours.