TRUTH ABOUT LAMBETH AND FREEDOM PASSES

After Labour spread misleading claims that the Liberal Democrats would cut the Freedom Pass, I had numerous complaints not just about those falsehoods, but from residents who still haven’t received the passes they are entitled to. That is why I raised a Members’ enquiry.

"What I uncovered is deeply concerning. Despite all their promises, Lambeth Labour is failing to deliver for over 60s, leaving residents waiting while the cost of living continues to rise. This isn’t just incompetence; it’s a failure that is hitting people in their pockets.

"Frankly, this administration couldn’t organise a teddy bears’ picnic let alone deliver something as essential as the Freedom Pass.

“The figures speak for themselves. Applications have risen year on year, yet the number of passes issued falls far short.”

From Lambeth Officers:

The number of Freedom Pass applications received per year;

The figures from April 2022 to March 2023 are part figures as we had a new system which

commenced in July 2022.

07th July  2022 � 31st March 2023                                1257

01st April 2023 � 31st March 2024                                 2086

01st April 2024 � 31st March 2025                                 2661

01st April 2025 � 31st March 2026                                 2402

Please see the number of Freedom Passes issued below;

07th July 2022  � 31st March 2023                                344

01st April 2023 � 31st March 2024                                 650

01st April 2024 � 31st March 2025                                 853

01st April 2025 � 31st March 2026                                 805

Freedom Passes are ordered within an average of 17 days.

Source: Member's Enquiry to Lambeth Council, Cllr Donna Harris, response received 30 April 2026