Millions of Scottish taxpayers’ money has been spent on “free bikes” for children that are costing a fortune it has been revealed today.
Data published by the Scottish government in response to a freedom of information request today (8 July) shows that £9,419,808 has been spent on the “free bike” programme but it has only supplied 13,244 bikes – meaning the equivalent average cost of each bike has been £711. High street retailers sell various models of children’s bikes for under £200 and a quality child’s bike from the “Specialized” brand can be bought for under £500.
JOANI REID, MP for East Kilbride and Strathaven, said:
“It is outrageous that taxpayers are being billed millions for this failing programme.
“I am not against giving children free bikes, I am against my constituents being ripped off like this.
“Public money is precious and needs to be spent with care.”
Ends
Notes to editors:
FOI response here: Free Bikes programme funding: FOI release – gov.scot
Joani Reid’s office did not submit this FOI request
