Croydon Council to close discretionary Freedom Pass scheme
Plans aim to save £140,000 over two years as part of wider financial strategy.
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Croydon Council is proposing to close its discretionary Disabled Persons Freedom Pass scheme to new applicants. The scheme currently provides free travel within London for residents aged 18 to 59 who receive local social care and have a physical disability or severe mental illness, but do not qualify for the statutory Freedom Pass. The change is part of a wider financial strategy to address the council's budget challenges.
Financial Context for Proposed Changes
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The closure of the discretionary scheme is expected to generate savings of £90,000 in the 2028/29 financial year and £50,000 in 2029/30. These savings contribute to a broader four-year financial plan aiming to stabilise the borough's finances, which totals £83.7 million. This strategy is being implemented as the council faces significant debt, with projections suggesting it could reach £900 million by 2030. Additionally, Croydon Council must increase its annual contribution to Transport for London's (TfL) Freedom Pass scheme by £1.35 million.
The council states that existing holders of the statutory Disabled Persons Freedom Pass, which is available to those meeting national eligibility criteria, will remain unaffected. The proposed changes are part of a budget that is expected to be approved in February. The council also noted that many other London boroughs have already discontinued similar discretionary travel concessions, focusing instead on meeting statutory obligations.
Criticism and Council Response
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Disability advocates have expressed concern that restricting access to free public transport could lead to increased isolation for vulnerable residents and hinder their ability to access essential services. Croydon Green Party Councillor Mark Adderley described the proposals as "utterly outrageous" and lacking in humanistic thinking, warning that the cuts could significantly reduce the quality of life for those with physical or mental health issues and leave them feeling forgotten.
A spokesperson for Croydon Council explained that difficult spending decisions are necessary to demonstrate financial discipline to government-appointed commissioners overseeing the borough's recovery. The spokesperson added that Croydon's current discretionary scheme is more generous than those offered by many other London boroughs. The council plans to work with affected residents to support transitions to the mandatory Disabled Persons Freedom Pass or advise on alternative TfL concessions where applicable.
Next Steps
The proposals are currently at the draft consultation stage. A final decision on the closure of the discretionary Disabled Persons Freedom Pass scheme is anticipated in early next year, prior to the council's budget approval.
Questions this report answers
+What is Croydon Council proposing to change regarding the Disabled Persons Freedom Pass?
Croydon Council is proposing to close its discretionary Disabled Persons Freedom Pass scheme to new applicants. This means that residents who do not qualify for the national statutory Freedom Pass and currently rely on the council's discretionary scheme will no longer be able to apply for it.
+How much money does Croydon Council expect to save from this change?
The council estimates that closing the discretionary scheme to new applicants will save £90,000 in the 2028/29 financial year and an additional £50,000 in 2029/30. These savings are part of a larger financial strategy to address the council's budget deficit.
+Will current users of the Disabled Persons Freedom Pass be affected?
No, existing holders of the statutory Disabled Persons Freedom Pass will not be affected by the proposed changes. The closure only applies to new applications for the discretionary scheme, meaning those already receiving the benefit under statutory eligibility will continue to do so.
+What is the wider financial context for these proposed savings?
These proposed savings are part of Croydon Council's Medium Term Financial Strategy, a four-year plan to save £83.7 million and stabilise the borough's finances. The council is also facing significant debt and must increase its contribution to TfL's Freedom Pass scheme.
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