London bus passes could be scrapped for some pensioners

A stylish elderly woman standing in the sun waiting for a bus
-Credit: (Image: Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images)


London bus passes, which currently allow pensioners to travel on the TfL network across the city for free, could be scrapped for some over-65s. The travel cards, which are a lifeline for many Londoners, are currently available for every person over the age of 65 who lives in London.

But this could change for some, according to a new report in the Telegraph. On Monday (September 9), rail minister Lord Hendy was asked to protect the passes, and was urged to promise not to limit them in any way.

However, he 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."

READ MORE: Pensioners urged to make phone call by September 20 or risk missing out on Winter Fuel Payment

Man gets onto London bus
It could soon be the case that not all over-65s qualify for free bus travel -Credit:Drazen_/Getty Images

Currently, the Freedom Pass allows pensioners to travel for free on the bus, Underground and Overground. But this news comes on the day that the prime minister is facing backlash over the announcement that the government is reducing the number of people who will receive winter fuel payments this year.

Instead of the benefit being available to all pensioners, only those on pension credit will receive the extra top up of £300. Today (September 10), MPs will vote on the plan, which will see around 10 million people lose the payment, according to Sky News.

The controversial policy has left some of Labour's own MPs in disagreement with the prime minister, saying the policy will leave less well-off pensioners with "a heart-breaking choice between heating and eating this winter". The Money Saving Expert team has also weighed in on the issue, and has reassured many people that they will still be eligible for the extra money this winter.

According to MSE, if you were born before September 23, 1958, you might still receive a £200 or £300 payment towards your heating bills this upcoming winter. The new Labour Party government has adjusted the eligibility criteria, allowing pensioners born between 23 September 1944 and 22 September 1958 to receive £200, and those born before 23 September 1944 to receive £300.

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