A TAXI voucher scheme for disabled people in Hambleton is to be introduced - even though councillors themselves branded the initiative "abysmal."

One member claimed the scheme was "too little and too late" and attacked an element which excludes people who can't use buses because services are not available.

"Why are these people being discriminated against?" asked Coun Jackie Griffiths at yesterday's meeting of Hambleton District Council's cabinet.

Chairman June Imeson said the scheme - which will cost an extra £5,400 on budget - was at least a start and would be subject to review after six months.

Financial services director Philip Morton said the idea was designed to supplement the bus pass scheme as certain categories of disabled people were unable to use passes due to their disability.

It is reckoned that about 3,000 people will be eligible for the vouchers. Widening the scheme to all those entitled to a bus pass would give a maximum take-up of 20,000 people.

The voucher rate is £30 for people living in rural wards and £15 for semi-urban wards. This gives half-price travel for £60 in rural areas and £30 elsewhere.

The scheme will come in on April 1 and be usable for taxis and community cars.

Coun Susan Latter - who represents Leeming Bar - said: "This is equivalent to five journeys in and out of Northallerton from my patch. Over a year it is not a lot. People will be saying it is pathetic."

Coun Griffiths said: "It is too little, too late."

She said there must be hundreds of people affected by the clause on people who can't use buses because services are unavailable.

Mr Morton's report said giving even £10 vouchers to everyone eligible under the bus pass scheme could mean revenue implications of more than £200,000.

Coun Imeson said: "This is why we want to bring the scheme back in six months to see what the take-up rate is. I am sure we all share your concerns.

"We all know this is abysmal really," said Coun Imeson. "But we have to start somewhere."