Cuts threaten Freedom Pass

10.22.09am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 15th Oct 2009

London Assembly Member Caroline Pidgeon, Cllr Chris Maines and Tom Brake MP oppose plans to cut Freedom Pass funding

Proposed Government cuts could jeopardise parts of the concessionary fare scheme enjoyed by over a million elderly and disabled London residents. The Labour Government have drawn up plans to reduce the funding of London's Freedom Pass so that it will only cover half of the cost, leaving a £50 million shortfall.

This cut would be a hit of £1.8 million on the council tax payers of Lewisham, according to Liberal Democrat Cllr Chris Maines.

"The Government are moving resources away from London and they are planning a cut that would effectively mean that cross borough travel on buses in London would not be funded.

"This would be a double whammy for Lewisham residents who were promised by Tory Mayor Boris Johnson that he would allow the freedom pass to used before 9.30am on local trains - a promise not yet kept."

Cllr Chris Maines says, "The Freedom Pass has been a lifeline for many people, an opportunity to travel around London and enhance their lives. It must be protected and guarantees given that its use will not be restricted in the future.

"Lewisham already has the highest Council Tax in inner London and further pressures like this would add an extra £20 burden on each bill. The Government needs to treat Londoners like the rest of the country and fully fund the concessionary fares scheme."