TAMPERING with the free bus pass scheme could have serious repercussions for local pensioners and their quality of life, a Bournemouth councillor has claimed.

Cllr Pat Lewis, Bournemouth’s older people’s champion, voiced her concerns amid speculation that people will soon have to wait until they are 65 before they get a free bus pass.

Under the previous Labour government, the age of eligibility was due to be pushed up to 65 by 2020.

But it is believed this plan could now be brought forward as part of the coalition government’s budget cuts.

Cllr Lewis said: “I can understand that in the present climate, there is a need to save money but I’m not sure how effective this will actually be.

“Free bus passes help people get out more and improve their sense of wellbeing. We know that for many older people, being able to get about on the buses is a big issue. Five years can make a lot of difference to somebody’s life.”

Local councils have long complained that the scheme has never been properly funded by central government and that it is a huge financial burden on local council taxpayers.

Cllr Alan Griffiths, leader of Christchurch council, said he did not believe increasing the age of eligibility would save them money. But he said he could accept the age increase being brought forward, provided this meant the scheme could stay free.

“It costs taxpayers around £20 on their band D council tax to subsidise it but to take the scheme away from people who are currently using it would not be acceptable,” he said.

“In Christchurch we have got a very high level of take-up. It would be very difficult for people if they changed the nature of the scheme now.”