Greenwich Council has pledged to oppose any detrimental changes to the Freedom Pass scheme, reaffirming its commitment to the scheme as a universal benefit for older and disabled Londoners. The decision was made during a Council meeting on Wednesday, 18 March 2026.
The motion, proposed by Councillors Calum O'Byrne Mulligan and Mariam Lolavar, stated that the Council would oppose any measures that would reduce eligibility or restrict transport services covered by the pass. This stance addresses concerns about potential negative impacts on the scheme's accessibility for its users.
The Freedom Pass scheme, first established by the Labour-led Greater London Council in 1973, provides essential travel across London for over 30,000 Greenwich residents. The Council noted that the previous Conservative government had reduced funding for the scheme, leaving local authorities to bridge the financial gap.
The motion, detailed in the document Motion - Greenwich Labour will oppose any detrimental changes to the Freedom Pass Scheme
[https://greenwich.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s18871/Motion%20-%20Greenwich%20Labour%20will%20oppose%20any%20detrimental%20changes%20to%20the%20Freedom%20Pass%20Scheme.pdf], also highlighted the contrast between London Labour's support for the Freedom Pass and the Liberal Democrats' past characterisation of it as an 'expensive burden'.
