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Freedom Pass Renewals
01 February 2010
Wandsworth’s over-60s will continue to be issued their new Freedom Passes, which allow for free travel on London transport, despite the deficit left by the Labour Government’s decision to withdraw up to £28 million in funding for such initiatives across London’s boroughs.
Residents were concerned about the future of the popular scheme following Transport Minister, and Tooting Labour MP Sadiq Khan’s shock announcement that his department is to slash its budgets.
Local residents had also spoken of their confusion as to who was behind the move, with some of the misapprehension that it was the Conservative town hall in Wandsworth that was behind the move.
Now Councillors have moved to reassure local users of the scheme that, despite the Government’s cuts, they are committed to finding the money to keep the programme running for the foreseeable future.
Guy Senior, Wandsworth Council’s Cabinet Member in charge of Transport, said: “It is of paramount importance to Wandsworth Council that we keep the Freedom Pass scheme running, and do not allow bungling Labour ministers to put the first-class services we offer our residents at risk.
“Despite misinformation from unscrupulous political campaigners, our commitment to our senior residents remains as unwavering as always, and we have no intention of withdrawing this scheme.”
And Maurice Heaster, Deputy Council Leader and Cabinet Member in charge of Finance, reiterated: “Wandsworth Council is fully committed to free travel for the over-60s.”
The reissue of new Freedom Passes is well underway; if you haven’t yet claimed yours please enquire at your nearest Post Office.
