West Midlands UKIP MEP Mike Nattrass has pledged to fight for the elderly to retain their free bus passes following the publication of a new report which claims giving free passes for all pensioners is an inefficient use of public funds.

The MEP, who is a member of the Transport Committee at the European Parliament, has attacked a new report which recommends the introduction means tested bus concessions. This week, the Local Government Association (LGA) claimed there is a need for a ‘fundamental review’ of the bus subsidy system to ensure ‘value for money’.

But Mr Nattrass this week criticised the Subsidising Buses: How to get the best from taxpayers’ money report and stated that introducing means-testing would be disastrous for pensioners particularly those living in rural communities.

“I think to recommend means testing is simply ridiculous. People, particularly living in villages such as Kinver, Codsall, Brewood and Cheslyn Hay, will ditch public transport in favour of using cars to shop in big towns and city centres,” said Mr Nattrass.

“This would create greater pollution and more road congestion. Not all pensioners have got cars and introducing means testing would hit elderly people financially and would also affect their quality of life.

“I will fight for the retention of free pensioner bus passes. The reports recommendations fly in the face of efforts to promote greener forms of transport.

“The Government should give more funding to local authorities to help them support free and affordable bus travel and none to the EU who tip our money down a black hole,” he added