Councillors support exploring concessionary travel for veterans
East Sussex County Council has unanimously agreed to investigate the implementation of a free bus travel scheme for veterans, alongside broader measures to recognise and support those who have served. The decision was taken on Tuesday 14 July after councillors endorsed a motion initiated by Green Party members Becca Horn and Shaun Dowling, with an amendment accepted from Peter Morley of Reform UK, the council’s deputy leader and lead member for economy.
Proposers argued that free access to local buses could help veterans attend appointments, stay connected and reduce isolation, particularly after the council ended several locally-funded fare discounts due to a reduction in national funding. While some veterans already qualify for other concessions such as senior or disability passes, councillors said a targeted approach could reach those who fall through gaps in existing schemes.
“This motion seeks to redress that inequality. It seeks to offer something to those who would really benefit from free access to our buses, in order that they can attend their appointments, in order that they can increase their sociability … and feel more connected in their communities,” Cllr Becca Horn said.
Before the vote, Cllr Horn accepted Cllr Morley’s amendment to widen the scope of the work. The amendment asks officers to assess options beyond a veterans’ pass alone and to ensure any proposal is fair and financially sustainable, with a full financial assessment of costs and impacts.
“Whilst the provision of concessionary bus travel for veterans is certainly worthy of consideration, I believe that we should ask officers to look more widely at the support we can provide,” Cllr Peter Morley said. “If after a thorough investigation a veteran’s bus pass proves financially viable then it is something we should absolutely consider. However, if it does not we should not let that become the end of the conversation.”
What the council has asked officers to do
The amended motion directs council officers to bring forward evidence on the feasibility and affordability of a veterans’ concession, and to explore additional measures to support veterans and their families. In practical terms, this means assessing:
- The likely cost of a dedicated veterans’ bus pass, including funding implications for the county and participating bus operators.
- How any new offer could be designed to be equitable alongside existing statutory concessions, such as senior and disability passes referenced in the debate.
- Alternative or complementary support to improve access to transport and services for veterans if a free pass is not viable.
Members stressed that the work should not be limited to a single proposal. As set out by Cllr Morley, councillors want options that could enhance travel support without undermining the council’s duty to manage budgets responsibly. No timetable was specified in the debate for when the financial appraisal will be completed.
Background: local discounts withdrawn amid funding pressures
Introducing the motion, Cllr Horn highlighted the recent withdrawal of several locally-funded bus fare discounts by East Sussex County Council, which followed a reduction in national funding streams. Those changes have narrowed discretionary help available to some groups. Backers of the veterans’ move said a targeted concession could address that gap for a section of residents who may not be covered by other schemes.
Cllr Horn acknowledged that a veterans’ concession would not apply to everyone with service experience, noting that some already qualify for other passes. However, she said the aim was to ensure those who would most benefit could travel without cost barriers to health appointments, employment support and community activities.
Decision at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Proposers | Cllr Becca Horn and Cllr Shaun Dowling (Green Party) |
| Amendment | Proposed by Cllr Peter Morley (Reform UK), widening scope and requiring full financial assessment |
| Outcome | Unanimous support to investigate a veterans’ bus pass and broader support options |
| Next steps | Officers to produce a full financial assessment and explore ways the council can go further for veterans |
What this could mean for veterans in East Sussex
If a veterans’ pass is found to be affordable and effective, it could lower everyday costs and improve access to work, training, health services and social networks for those who have served. If not, the motion still commits the council to consider other ways to support veterans and their families, including looking at how to enhance concessionary travel support within existing constraints.
For now, the decision signals a clear political direction: to test the financial case for a dedicated concession and to weigh it against other measures that might deliver meaningful, lasting recognition of service. The detailed design of any scheme — eligibility, coverage and administration — will depend on the officer assessment and further debate by councillors.
