I understand the cost of providing the London Freedom pass is expected to rise £40 million to £372m next year, a 12% increase. I'm not sure what the lower cost of provision would be if Tube, Elizabeth Line, London Overground, trams and National Rail Services within the capital travel were excluded and it was solely limited to free bus travel as elsewhere in the UK. The FP is separate and additional to the 60+ London Oyster which is provided by Tel to Londoners age 60-65 and provides similar entitlement to free travel outside the morning rush hour
It is a universal benefit for all those over 60 who live in a London borough. The rest of the population, outside London become eligible for a bus pass only when they reach state pension age- so currently 6 years later.
The amount London Borough Councils will pay to TfL to fund FP travel is set to increase from £307m to £343m and to the Rail Delivery group to rise £21.8m to £26m. At the same time London councils complain they are facing a funding crisis driven by the cost of providing temporary accommodation for homeless families. The shortfall will resolved by council tax rises..
The majority agree there are benefits to bus passes for those over state pension age.
Kirsty Allsopp posted her view on line that she didn't think it is reasonable for that Rosen travels for free due to his age and that people have to stop taking things they do not need, it is wrong and bankrupting the country.... She didn't say Rosen was "rich' but that in her view she felt he did not "need" this free entitlement. In her view expectations of such free entitlement should not be based on age and should not be universal.
I don't necessarily agree with Allsopp, but like us all on Gransnet, she's entitled to her opinion and to post it online as very many people do. I don't think the London FP benefit is bankrupting the country but it does result in London Boroughs residents paying more in their council tax to fund it so that the Councils can fund the FP alongside their other statutory duties.
I enjoy Location, Location, I do not revere Allsopor neither do I dislike her. She and Phil Spencer have a longstanding, seemingly positive relationship that works well for the programme. I don't know her as a person. I have no animosity towards her either because of the circumstances of her birth or because of her weight.
It's an interesting debate....