Tories promise veterans discount rail cards

THE Conservative Party made a pitch for the votes of Armed Forces veterans last night by unveiling plans to cut rail travel costs for up to 700,000 former servicemen and women.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced that the Tories would introduce new veterans’ rail cards if they won a majority at next month’s General Election.

He said the cards – to help former service personnel not benefiting from other schemes – would take a third off the price of a ticket.

Spouses and dependent children travelling with veterans would also be eligible for discounted fares.

The Tories hope the move – announced on the eve of Remembrance Sunday – will save veterans and their families hundreds of pounds a year.

Mr Shapps said: ‘We owe a debt to the men and women who’ve served our country. This railcard will support veterans who don’t already qualify for a senior or disabled person’s railcards to make the most of the opportunities available after t heir service – whether through e mpl o y me n t or by strengthening links with friends and family.’

Under the plan, eligibility for the exist i ng Forces Railcard f or serving personnel – which costs £21 a year and applies a one- third reduction to the price of most tickets – will be extended to all those who have been members of the military. The scheme is expected to benefit up t o 700, 000 people because around 1.6 million of the 2.3 million veterans in Britain already qualify for a senior or disabled person’s card.

The Conservatives said the aim of the scheme was to recognise the contribution made by the country’s Armed Forces veterans.

And it comes after the establishment of the Office for Veterans’ Affairs, which has been set up to ensure that the Government ‘delivers on its promises’ to provide the lifelong support that ex- service personnel deserve.

Tory sources are also keen to point out t hat t he party has launched the first UK-wide veterans strategy, which outlines a new vision and a set of principles to support those who have served their country.

The strategy focuses on areas such as community and relationships; employment and skills; health and well- being; finance, debt and housing; and contact with the law.