London bus pass update issued as Government scrambles to reassure pensioners after minister sparked panic

An elderly lady passenger walks through autumnal rain next to a London bus
-Credit: (Image: Richard Baker / In Pictures via Getty Images)


The Department for Transport has rushed to reassure pensioners about access to London bus passes after a minister 'misspoke' earlier in the week. On Monday (September 9), rail minister Lord Hendy was asked about Freedom passes, which allow all over-65's to travel for free on London's buses, Tube network and Overground trains.

He was challenged on whether the Government would protect the passes, or whether they might become restricted to certain people in the future. However, Lord Hendy refused to promise the benefit wouldn't be taken away from some pensioners.

He said that given the state of public finances, he couldn't offer a "concrete commitment for all time". This has caused outrage from many, and the Department of Transport has been quick to step in to provide an update.

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The government department has emphasised that they have no plans to withdraw the free bus pass scheme for pensioners. They say the scheme helps to prevent loneliness, provides access to vital services and enables people to stay connected to loved ones.

Routemaster bus headed to Marylebone and Marble Arch drive in Westminster
TfL has pointed out the Freedom pass is a national scheme rather than under its control -Credit:Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Transport for London (TfL) and the Mayor's office both directed MyLondon towards the Department for Transport for further information, saying that it was a national scheme.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has also confirmed that the Government will be continuing to provide the bus pass scheme while speaking on GB News yesterday morning (Wednesday, September 11). She said: "We have committed to those: bus passes, TV licences for those entitled, free prescriptions."

It comes as Winter Fuel Payments are set to be scrapped for some pensioners this winter. From this autumn, those not on pension credit or other means-tested benefits will no longer get the annual payments, worth between £100 and £300.

MPs have now voted to allow the plan to go ahead, which Chancellor Rachel Reeves says will save about £1.5bn each year.

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