The cost of providing free travel to more than a million older Londoners is set to rise by £40 million to £372 million next year, according to London Councils. The increase, driven by an ageing population, annual fare hikes, and higher post-pandemic travel demand, could push the total to nearly £500 million by 2030.
The figures emerge after TV presenter Kirstie Allsopp criticised author Michael Rosen for using the Freedom Pass, suggesting wealthy recipients should not take advantage of the scheme. Allsopp posted on X: 'People have to stop taking things they do not need, it is wrong and it is bankrupting our country.' Rosen, 79, had complained online about difficulties renewing his pass.
The Freedom Pass is funded by London's 33 boroughs, often using revenue from motoring fines. With more than 1.2 million passes in use, the cost to Transport for London (TfL) is expected to rise from £307 million to £343 million, while payments to the Rail Delivery Group will increase from £21.8 million to £26 million.
London Councils warned of a 'significant increase' in costs, with a paper to its transport committee projecting a £39.9 million rise in 2026/27. Officials have suggested a fundamental review of the scheme may be needed, though any changes would require reassessment of the Greater London Authority Act 1999.
A London Councils spokesperson confirmed Rosen's new pass would be dispatched shortly, adding: 'The Freedom Pass provides eligible London residents with free travel on most public transport in London.' The scheme is available to all residents from their 66th birthday and to disabled Londoners of any age.
