Mayor Boris Johnson condemned for 'capping' vital funds for Taxicard (Newham Borough Liberal Democrats)

Newham Borough Liberal Democrats <info@libdems.org.uk>

Mayor Boris Johnson condemned for 'capping' vital funds for Taxicard

December 4, 2008 8:15 AM
Originally published by London Assembly Liberal Democrats

Caroline Pidgeon AM, Liberal Democrat Transport spokesperson won majority support from London Assembly members this in condemning Mayor Boris Johnson for 'capping' vital funds given to Borough Councils to support the Taxicard scheme which provides personal transport for elderly and vulnerable passengers.

The Conservative Assembly members tried unsuccessfully to vote down Caroline Pidgeon's motion.

Commenting, Caroline Pidgeon said:

"It is extraordinary that Tory Assembly members voted to back Boris' move to starve Taxicard of funds. They clearly don't have elderly relatives. The Tory Transport chair on London Councils doesn't agree with them - he has opposed Mayor Johnson on this retrograde step.

"A capped budget would impact on the Taxicard service that boroughs are able to offer, and there is a serious risk that elderly and vulnerable passengers will suffer. We will continue to champion their interests and fight against this backward measure."

A full copy of the motion can be seen at http://www.london.gov.uk/assembly/assemmtgs/2008/plenarydec08/item06.rtf