The problems caused by the entirely laudable scheme to issue free bus passes to all those aged over 60 continue to mount.

A report commissioned by the Local Government Association has concluded that the passes were an ‘inefficient’ use of public money and should be subject to a means test.

The passes cost Oxford City Council almost £4m last year — a staggering 14 per cent of its total budget.

The formula used to calculate the amount that the bus companies charge the city council for carrying the over-60s is extremely complex.

But what is crystal clear is that the Government is refusing to fully reimburse local authorities for the amount they are having to hand over to the bus companies.

This scheme was devised by Government and it is the Government that should be picking up the tab.