Charity to end disability bus service over funding

A transport service for disabled islanders who work at a charity shop is to close, said bosses.

UnLtd at the Ron Short Centre said it was told on Wednesday its application to the Social Investment Fund had been rejected, forcing it to stop its transport service from 1 July.

The St Peter Port charity said the decision meant disabled people working at the centre would no longer be able to access employment because of the specialised transport requirements.

The States of Guernsey said it had "not withdrawn any recent funding from charities who provide community transport" and it was working on a "joined-up plan for community transport".

The States said it wanted to reassure islanders there was help available in getting to and from essential appointments.

The service was introduced in 2022 following a States push for improved accessibility in the island.

However, the charity said funding was cut, forcing it to rely on short-term money from the investment fund, although this was disputed by the States.

"An independent review of community transport confirmed that UnLtd delivers valuable services at a fraction of the cost the States would pay for equivalent provisions," said the charity.

"Yet this fact has been ignored, leaving disabled islanders without sustainable transport options."

The States said options available to islanders without transport included the Voluntary Car Service, which was available through Health Connections, and people struggling with the costs of transport could also apply for income support.

"For the avoidance of doubt, the States of Guernsey has not withdrawn any recent funding from charities who provide community transport," it said.

"Instead, the States of Guernsey is already proactively working on a cross-organisation project to develop a joined-up plan for community transport, including how it can work with the charities sector to deliver this. In addition, the comments made by the charity contain some inaccuracies which will be addressed shortly."

Health and Social Care said it also provided a grant to St John Ambulance's Non-Emergency Patient Transfer Service, which helps "people who struggle to walk or need extra support during a journey due to a medical condition".

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