London Councils have pledged to maintain the Freedom Pass, which allows free travel on public transport for those aged 66 or over, following pressure from campaigners. The pass, held by 1.2 million Londoners, will cost councils an estimated £372 million in 2026/27.
Campaigners Win Guarantee
More than 10,000 Londoners and civic organisations had called on the body, which represents all 32 boroughs in the capital and the City of London, to protect the concessionary privilege. All pensioners living in the capital are eligible for the pass, which entitles them to free travel on all modes of transport after 9am on weekdays and at weekends.
Concerns over the future of the pass were initially raised after a meeting of London Councils' Transport and Environment Committee (TEC) in January, in which discussions took place to restrict the free travel to buses only.
Funding Challenges
Local authorities pay for the scheme, which is administered by London Councils, using a mix of council tax revenue and national government grants, and reimburse Transport for London (TfL) and other operators for any free journeys made. The rising cost has prompted concerns over its future financial viability at a time when authorities are making cuts elsewhere.
Yesterday (Thursday, June 18), Age UK supporters marched to the organisation's offices in Central London to present their petition directly to officials.
Official Reassurance
Executive Member for TEC, Cllr Paul Osborn, met with Age UK representatives after the protest and told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that both sides are on the same page when it comes to the Freedom Pass.
"London Councils is absolutely committed to the Freedom Pass," he said. "We recognise the massive value it has to elderly people, it makes a massive difference to people's lives. It's a lifeline for a lot of people, and we will ensure that it gets protected."
He added: "I do regret the concerns that people have and the worry it's had. The challenge for us is how we fund it, and there's an argument that we're having with TfL, the bus companies, and the train companies about how much we're charged - but that discussion wasn't and isn't ever going to be about the day-to-day life of an elderly person using the Freedom Pass, it's about how you allocate the cost, not the card itself."
"Hopefully this meeting we've had with Age UK can help to reassure people that no one wants to touch this - but we do have to be aware that the cost is going up [for] it, and therefore make sure we're robust in our negotiations about how this gets funded."
Impact on Pensioners
Age UK say any changes to the Freedom Pass would disproportionately affect those on low incomes, from ethnic minority backgrounds and older people who depend on public transport to access vital services.
Carol Hopwood, who signed the petition and attended the march, told the LDRS that any notion of reducing the benefits of the Freedom Pass was "outrageous" and that London Councils' affirmation was a "massive relief".
"It would mean older people, who rely on it to get out and about, would remain isolated and become extremely lonely," the ex-teacher said. "This is a pass that many of us have paid into for all our lives - it says free, but we've paid for it through our taxes. A lot of older people don't live wealthy lifestyles - this enables them to get out and about."
Paula Peters, who chairs the London and Eastern Unite Community Campaign Forum, said reforming the Freedom Pass would increase social isolation, ensure older Londoners lose their independence and heavily impact the local economy. She added: "For so many, this is a vitally important lifeline that keeps people socially active and engaged in their community - [getting rid of it] would put pressure on the NHS and local services."
Official Statement
A London Councils spokesperson told the LDRS: "No changes are planned to the Freedom Pass. The provision and scope of the Freedom Pass are set out in national legislation. All 32 London boroughs and the City of London Corporation fund and deliver the Freedom Pass scheme which enables London residents over the age of 66 to travel free on all public transport modes in the capital."
"We welcome Age UK London's visit to London Councils' headquarters and recognise the vital work it undertakes to secure a high quality of life for older residents across the capital. We will continue to work closely with Age UK London as a trusted partner to ensure London local government meets the needs of older residents."
