Southwark Council has said it will oppose any changes to a travel pass which lets older people use public transport in London for free after suggestions the scheme could be scaled back.
The Freedom Pass, used by 1.2 million Londoners, allows those aged over 66 to use the bus, tube, tram, DLR and National Rail services for free during off peak hours.
On 5 January it was reported that London Councils, the body which manages the scheme on behalf of the 32 London boroughs, would be reviewing the pass, the cost of which is set to reach £372m from April 2026.
Cllr Ian Manders, one of the Liberal Democrat representatives on the committee responsible for overseeing the administration of the scheme, described it as an “expensive burden”.
One idea allegedly floated was to restrict free travel to the bus only, which it was suggested could save councils £100 million a year.
However on Wednesday (14 January) Labour councils in London issued a joint statement warning they would oppose any move to restrict the eligibility criteria or the transport services it can be used on.
Cllr Claire Holland, a Labour councillor in Lambeth and the Leader of London Councils, offered assurances that there would be no move to restrict eligibility or the modes of transport the pass applies to. She said: “The previous Conservative government slashed funding for the Freedom Pass scheme, leaving councils to foot the bill.
“It’s clear that we need to ensure the Freedom Pass is funded sustainably, but this cannot be done at the expense of older Londoners.
“We know the Freedom Pass is a vital lifeline for our older residents and we must defend it. Labour councils will oppose any changes that would see restrictions placed on who can use it and which modes of transport it applies to.”
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Sarah King, the leader of Southwark Council, welcomed the news that the pass would be ‘protected’: “Keeping costs down for our residents is our top priority, which is why we were very clear that the freedom pass should be protected and it is fantastic news that we have managed to save it.
“With Lib Dems refusing to rule out cutting the pass, it’s clear only Labour is focused on helping local people with rising prices and ensuring our over 65s have full access to public transport in Southwark.”
The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan also threw his weight behind calls to retain the pass in its current form, although he has no responsibility over it.
He said: “The Freedom Pass is crucial for older Londoners, enabling them to travel around the city and stay connected to friends and family.
“While I have no control over the 66+ pass, Labour councils have my full support in committing to keep it.
“As Mayor, I am ensuring hundreds of thousands of older Londoners are also able to enjoy free travel by continuing to provide the 60+ Oyster card alongside other concessions for Londoners.
“The previous Tory government wanted to get rid of the 60+ Oyster card. It’s clear that only Labour can be trusted to protect concessionary travel for Londoners.”
