Local Conservatives criticise reduction in mileage allowance for crucial voluntary drivers.
Voluntary Drivers across the area have been hit by a reduction in their mileage allowance in a Government curb on the Social Services voluntary transport scheme.
New legislation which comes into force in January 2008 means voluntary drivers can only claim up to 10,000 miles a year at 39.9p per mile. After that, the mileage will be paid at 25p per mile due to new taxation laws.
No discussions took place with voluntary organisations before this change came into force. Many voluntary drivers fear the move will lead to day centres etc being forced to hire taxis at far greater cost.
Prospective Winchester MP, Steve Brine, said; "Drivers such as those serving the King's Worthy Day Centre do this largely out of the kindness of their own hearts. Those affected will once again be the elderly and infirm who rely on this facility to make visits to hospitals and care centres.
"I am speaking with my colleagues within the Shadow Cabinet because we have got to make the Goverment realise they are hurting good people with this change.
Pictured above (from left to right); Alresford Councillor Ernie Jeffs, voluntary driver Bernie and Steve Brine, with Pam on her way into the Christ Church Day Centre on Christchurch Road in Winchester.