Council performs community transport U-turn
Draft budgets suggested the Link Scheme could stop with a cut in funding
A council U-turn has assured the future of a vital volunteer-run community transport service.
The Link Scheme supports elderly and disabled people who are unable to drive.
The 42 schemes countywide, which are administered by Community First, see an army of 2,000 volunteer drivers – who receive a mileage payment – use their own cars to take people to medical appointments or to the shops.
The service is considered a lifeline – especially in rural areas, where regular bus services are few and far between.
But fears were raised when Wiltshire Council’s draft budget suggested the funding for community transport might be cut.
However, at a meeting of Wiltshire Council’s cabinet on Tuesday Cllr Gavin Grant, portfolio holder for finance, said it was never the Liberal Democrats’ intention to cut funding.
“I missed it,” he admitted. “It was my error in not spotting it.”
He sought an amendment to the draft budget to remove a proposed saving of £115,000 for community transport, which was unanimously accepted by cabinet members.
Councillor Richard Clewer, leader of the Conservative group on the council, said: “I was astonished when I saw community transport included as a budget saving.
“Hundreds of volunteers have been very concerned on behalf of service users.
“I am very glad you are reversing it.”