Illtyd Harrington, who died 10 years ago, helped set up the treasured travel dispensation

POTENTIAL plans to scrap or limit free travel for the over-60s would hit the lifestyles of older people and increase costs for the NHS and social care, experts warn.

London Councils – a body made up for the 32 boroughs and the City of London – are currently discussing whether they can cut a travel scheme that allows the over-60s to use buses and trains after 9.30am each day free of charge. The pass, treasured by so many pensioners, was the brainchild of Illtyd Harrington, the former deputy leader of the Greater London Council and the Tribune’s late literary editor.

He had fought all past attempts to remove the dispensation before his death 10 years ago, seeing the benefits in tackling social isolation in old age.

The authorities say the bill is going up, however, due to an ageing population and could hit £500million a year by 2030.

Mike Sanderson is an Islington-based member of the Islington Pensioners Forum, campaigning against restrictions or scrapping of the pass alongside AgeUK London.

Mr Sanderson described the effects of social isolation which could result from changes to the Freedom Pass. “It’s dangerous stuff, once you get social isolation,” he said. “Everybody knows this. It impacts on mental health and mental wellbeing, physical health and physical wellbeing, and all that then impacts negatively on the National Health Service and the services set up to look after those with mental health issues.

“There could well be a general deterioration of mental and physical health of the pensioner population.”

He said that the card scheme was already restrictive due to the post-9.30am rule, impacting on older people travelling to hospital appointments as well as those carrying out unpaid caring responsibilities for friends and grandchildren.

Islington Labour said in a statement that it would “unequivocally oppose to any attempt to scrap the Freedom Pass and against any ‘reviews’ of the concessionary travel scheme. Public transport accounts for one third of all journeys in the borough, and it is vital that it remains accessible and affordable for older people and those with disabilities who rely on it most.”

A Change.org campaign led by Philip Clayton, 71, already has over 76,000 signatures.

A London Councils spokesperson said the proposals were not confirmed and discussions were continuing and subject to legislation.

They added: “London Councils is reviewing the best way to manage the rising cost.

“Costs are forecast to increase by 12 per cent in 2026-27, from £333million to £372million, primarily driven by the rise in journeys being taken by Freedom Pass holders and fare increases.

“Forecasts suggest that they could reach £0.5billion by the end of the decade. The scheme has not been fully funded by government for over a decade.

“At a time when boroughs face significant financial pressures and must look at all areas of spend, the scheme’s fast-rising costs are a concern.

“We want to ensure a sustainable future for the scheme and are working with partners to explore how we achieve this.”