Age UK London has today launched an open letter calling on London Councils, the local government association representing councils in the capital, to rule out moves that could lead to future cuts to the Older Persons’ Freedom Pass.
This follows recent reports that the scheme could be subject to review. Age UK London are calling for all Londoners to co-sign the letter.
In early January it was revealed that London Councils were considering a review of the Freedom Pass — a concession that provides Londoners over State Pension age (66) with free travel across the capital on weekends and after 9am on weekdays. The news caused widespread concern among older Londoners, many of whom rely on the pass as a vital lifeline.
On 14 January, the London Councils Labour Group announced that they would block any review, a position supported by Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan. While this intervention has reduced the immediate threat, Age UK London warns that the possibility of a future review remains very real — particularly once council elections have taken place.
“Older Londoners are deeply anxious about the prospect of losing or seeing cuts to their Freedom Pass,” said John McGeachy, Campaigns Manager, Age UK London. “Although the review has been halted for now, the issue is unlikely to disappear. We expect the Freedom Pass to remain under scrutiny, and we are determined to ensure that older people’s voices are heard loud and clear. This is not just about older people now; it’s future generations too.”
The open letter, addressed to the Chief Operating Officer and the London Councils Leadership Committee, sets out the essential role the Freedom Pass plays in the lives of older Londoners. It highlights how the pass enables people to care for family members, volunteer in their communities, support local high streets, attend medical appointments, and maintain active, independent lives.
The letter also warns that any cuts — whether to operating hours or to the transport modes covered — would disproportionately affect older Londoners on low incomes. London has the highest rate of pensioner poverty in the UK, and many older residents do not own a car. For them, the Freedom Pass is not a luxury but a necessity.
Age UK London stresses that reducing access to public transport risks increasing social isolation, worsening health outcomes, and pushing some older people back into car use – with consequences for congestion and the environment.
“Older Londoners have contributed to the Freedom Pass through decades of taxation. They value it enormously, and they deserve to have it protected,” continued John McGeachy. “Cutting the Freedom Pass would be a backwards step that makes life harder for thousands of people.”
