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Freedom Pass ‘a burden’
Funding for transport concession threatened by lobby group
A WAR between Ken Livingstone and representatives of London councils has erupted over the Freedom Pass.
The Pass, which provides free travel for anyone over the age of 60, is vital for pensioners, argues the London Mayor.
But a statement this week from the lobby group – representing 33 councils in London – claimed funding for the Freedom Pass was too high a burden to taxpayers.
Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone retaliated. He said: “The attack on the Freedom Pass by the body that is supposed to protect it shows that there is now a real attack on this concession. London Councils says it wants to keep the Freedom Pass but all its activity is aimed at undermining it.
“The Freedom Pass is one of the most popular policies ever introduced on London’s transport system, but there is now a clear and sustained attack on the Freedom Pass, this time over its funding scheme. Older Londoners and disabled Londoners should be under no illusion – the basis of the Freedom Pass is now under repeated attack.
“At present I have the power to step in and guarantee the Freedom Pass if the London boroughs cannot agree between themselves.
“This guarantee is the safety net on which the continuation of the Freedom Pass scheme can be ensured, and any attack on it is a threat to the future of the concession.”
Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg, leader of the Westminster Labour group agreed. He said: “Labour Councillors totally support the Freedom Pass in its present form and call on Westminster Conservatives to reject the London Councils’ latest campaign to undermine the Freedom Pass.
“Thousands of older people in Westminster depend on the Freedom Pass and the Conservatives should be ashamed of themselves for putting this valuable benefit under threat.”
Graeme Matthews, secretary of the London Older People’s Strategies Group, said: “Withdrawal or restriction of the current travel pass would destroy massive and unique contribution of older and disabled people to the life of the city and over a million Londoners.” |
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