Bromley Council put the future of the Freedom Pass at risk.

6.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 1st Jul 2008

Liberal Democrat Transport spokesperson at the London Assembly Caroline Pidgeon has accused Tory run Bromley Council of putting the future of the Freedom Pass at risk.

The Freedom Pass, paid for by London Council taxpayers, allows all persons over 60 and the registered disabled to travel free of charge on London's transport network. Councils are currently charged on the number of Pass holders resident in each London borough.

Recent discussions at a London wide level between councils across London has resulted in the majority of the Councils agreeing to fund the Freedom Pass based on the number of times a Pass is used by people in their areas. However all London councils have to agree to this change, and failure to agree means that outside arbitration is sought. Because Bromley council have objected to the change the cost of the scheme is increasing.

Caroline Pidgeon, who is also Vice Chair of the London Assembly's Transport Committee said:

"The arbitration scheme is likely to take months, and cost Bromley council taxpayers tens of thousands of pounds. What is even more worrying is that it could in time cause a breakdown of the whole Freedom Pass scheme. I am sure that local residents don't want Bromley Conservatives to put this well - loved scheme at risk."