DORSET County Council is set to take over responsibility for bus pass applications from district and borough councils.

It is hoped that the new centralised service, which begins from April 1, will provide a more consistent service across the county and give better value for money for tax payers.

Dorset County Councillor Peter Finney, cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: “The old system of paying district and borough councils to provide this service on behalf of the county council no longer represents the best value for money.

“Local councils will still be able to choose to fund any additional concessions, such as subsidising travel at peak times.

“There is no need for pass holders to take action now, we will provide further details about how to apply for a concessionary pass nearer the time.”

People applying for an older or disabled person bus pass for the first time will now be able to apply by phone, by downloading an application form online or by collecting an application form from their district or borough council, or from their local library.

Residents needing to renew their pass will be invited to reapply or automatically sent replacements through the post.

Anyone who has moved since their current pass was issued should contact their local district or borough council to update their address details before the end of February.

Dorset County Council concessionary fare applications will be processed by Euclid Ltd, a Hampshire-based company specialising in producing and issuing ID cards.