Deputy Phil Rondel today lodged an amendment to the 2004 budget which will see the £1 million taken from the Disability Transport Scheme.He argues that the scheme has been abused in the past and the cash would be better spent elsewhere.The report attached to the proposed amendment states: ‘Members will know that over recent years serious concerns have been raised by members that these funds are not in all part being used for the purpose originally envisaged.’The St John Deputy says that a smaller budget will encourage civil servants at the Employment department to be more rigorous in weeding out those making fraudulent claims.The report says that the money is needed because the introduction of the user-pays sewerage charge has been deferred until 2005.
Deputy Rondel adds that he has identified no other provision to pay for better waste disposal and mains drain extensions.The amendment was lodged au greffe today.
