National concessionary travel podcast transcript

1.	What’s this report about?

This report looks at the development and management of the National Concessionary Travel Scheme for older and disabled people. This is the scheme that provides free local and bus travel for people over 60 and people with certain disabilities. Our report looks at the planning and implementation of the scheme, how much it cost and what difference it has made.
2.	What have you found?

We found a number of things.
•	Scotland’s national scheme of free bus travel for older and disabled people is widely used, with 80 per cent of people aged 60 and over holding a bus pass.  However, research shows that the overall impact of the scheme is still not clear. 
•	There was only limited information about the cost of the scheme when the Scottish Parliament considered its introduction. While the scheme started on time, robust systems were not in place to effectively manage it.  The full roll-out of technology to support the scheme is expected to take four and a half years longer than originally planned and cost more than four times the original budget.   
•	The scheme’s costs are significant; just over £199 million last year. These are expected to rise, at a time of severe pressure on public spending.

3.	Your report suggests that NCT was somewhat rushed out, and you’re critical of the planning and implementation. What was the hurry and what were the problems with planning and implementation?

The outline agreement between the Scottish Government and bus companies was reached in October 2004 and this stated that the scheme would start in April 2006, and this was achieved.  However, our examination identified some weaknesses in the way NCT was introduced. These weaknesses are not unique to this scheme and need to be addressed in the development of all policies and initiatives. 
4.	Free bus travel is one of the areas of policy that several commentators have focussed on when talking about the financial issues facing Scotland. Is national concessionary travel sustainable?
The national concessionary travel scheme was supported by all political groups in Parliament on its introduction. However, public sector budgets are now under significant pressure. The Scottish Government recognises that, in the longer term, it will be difficult to sustain the scheme in its current form. However, it is up to the Scottish Government to determine how it allocates resources in future budgets. 
5.	What do you want to see happen now?

Our report makes recommendations, some of which are specific to the NCT scheme and some of which are more general for the development of all future policies and initiatives. 
We would like to see the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland clarify the objectives of NCT and develop performance measures which allow it to assess the impact of the scheme against its objectives. 
At this time of budget restraints, we would like to see the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland consider the impact of the scheme against its strategic objectives and national priorities. 
The Scottish Government needs to ensure there is proper planning and delivery of all its policies and initiatives. These recommendations are similar to those we have already made in a number of other reports.