Government's proposed changes to Freedom Pass may hit Sutton residents hard

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 14th Sep 2009

Lib Dem Leaders on Sutton Council have expressed their concern that changes to the distribution of a Freedom Pass grant, being considered by the Government, would cost Sutton taxpayers an extra £1 million, putting massive pressure on local transport budgets.

After agreeing a three-year funding settlement with boroughs the Government is now thinking about reopening negotiations to give more money to county councils struggling to support their concessionary fares schemes.

However Sadiq Khan, the Minister for Transport, is refusing to meet with any London council leaders as he is 'too busy'. Sutton Liberal Democrats fear the Capital will be forced to pay half the costs rather than a third, as now, towards the London scheme, compared to other authorities who receive full funding from the Government.

Councillor Colin Hall, Executive Member for the Environment said:

"I am shocked that the Government is considering a change to the Freedom Pass scheme so soon after agreeing it with us.

"If they do so, Sutton residents face an extra million pounds in costs to make up the difference.

"Yet again older and disabled people in London are threatened with bearing the brunt of this Government's ill-thought out policies on concessionary fares."