ALMOST 60,000 Black Country folk over the age of 60 are getting a "raw deal" when it comes to free bus travel, according to Dudley North MP Ian Austin.

The Labour MP said he thinks it is unfair that while residents of Scotland, Wales and London can travel for free on buses when they are 60, the 59,239 people aged between 60 and 64 in Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton - and a further 73,144 across the rest of the West Midlands - must wait until they reach 65.

Mr Austin said that public spending per person in the West Midlands lags behind many other parts of the country and believes the West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street, should be "fighting for a fairer share" for people in the region.

He said: "Over 60s in The Black Country have to wait much longer for free travel compared to those in London, Scotland or Wales.

"Many of them have worked hard all their lives and paid taxes which are used to subsidise higher levels of public spending in other parts of the country.

“Bus passes would help the over 60s care for relatives, help look after the grandkids or get involved with local charities or community groups, as well as going out with friends.

"They would also help bus operators increase and improve services for us all."

Mr Austin continued: “Andy Street promised to use the West Midlands’ new devolved powers over transport to ensure ‘buses and trains are as accessible as possible to older people, and protect the free bus pass’ but he’ll never argue with a Tory government when it comes to getting a fair deal for the West Midlands.

“I think we need a mayor who will stand up for local people and make sure they get the same level of services people in other parts of the country take for granted.”

In response to Mr Austin's concerns, a Transport for West Midlands spokesman told the News: “Free bus travel for people aged 65 and over is provided through a national scheme funded by central Government. It applies to the whole of England but not Wales and Scotland, which have their own national Government schemes.

"However, in addition to the English National Concessionary Pass scheme, those aged 65 and above who live in the metropolitan West Midlands also enjoy free travel on the region’s trains and trams. This additional benefit is paid for locally through council tax revenues.”