Freedom Pass for all from age 60 - When, How, How Much?

The request was successful.

Michael Douglas

Dear London Councils,

As part of his campaign for re-election as Mayor of London, Boris Johnson promised to make the Freedom Pass available to everyone from age 60.

When - how soon - is this change to be introduced?

Will those over 60 now be able to claim refunds for their public transport fares in London since May 3rd 2012?

How will the change be implemented - at present each London
councils is responsible?

Will the pass be usable only in London, or will it permit travel on local buses outside London?

How much will this scheme cost the taxpayer?

How will it be funded - presumably London taxpayers will pay - whether it is funded by TfL or by the councils themselves?

How much extra Council Tax will those liable have to pay on average to provide free travel on public transport to everyone from age 60, including many in full time work?

What is the justification for this new burden on the taxpayer, including those who are not in work?

Yours faithfully,

Michael Douglas

FOI-DPA Complaints, London Councils

2 Attachments

Dear Michael

Please see the attached correspondence with regards to your request for information under the FOIA.

Many thanks
Sylvia

Sylvia Edohasim |Corporate Complaints and Freedom of Information Officer |Corporate Governance | London Councils |59½ Southwark Street |London SE1 0AL |Tel:0207 934 9845 |Website: www.londoncouncils.gov.uk

Please note that I work part-time on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays only.

Follow London Councils on Twitter: @londoncouncils

Use this link: http://twitter.com/londoncouncils

E-mail: [email address] with any suggestions on people you think we should be following.

show quoted sections

Michael Douglas

Dear FOI-DPA Complaints,

LB Wandsworth have written

"staff have subsequently attended meetings organised by London Councils on the Freedom Pass at which TfL officers would be present. "

http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/fr...

Please confirm what further meetings have taken place regarding the Freedom Pass.

Was the subject of the pass being valid from age 60 discussed?

Have there been any further developments or is there any further information on this issue?

For example, has there been any contact between London Councils and TfL or the Mayor of his office?

Yours sincerely,

Michael Douglas

FOI-DPA Complaints, London Councils

1 Attachment

Dear Mr Douglas

Please see the attached correspondence with regards to your request for information.

Many thanks
Sylvia

Sylvia Edohasim |Corporate Complaints and Freedom of Information Officer |Corporate Governance | London Councils |59½ Southwark Street |London SE1 0AL |Tel:0207 934 9845 |Website: www.londoncouncils.gov.uk

Please note that I work part-time on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays only.

Follow London Councils on Twitter: @londoncouncils

Use this link: http://twitter.com/londoncouncils

E-mail: [email address] with any suggestions on people you think we should be following.

show quoted sections

Michael Douglas

Dear FOI-DPA Complaints,

Thank you for your further reply.

In this you state "London Councils’ officers have had two meetings with Transport for London officers on 1 June and 25 June to discuss practical issues around how the Mayor's 60+ Pass will interface with the statutory Freedom Pass which is administered by London Councils."

Could you please provide a copy of the Minutes of those two meetings?

Are there any further meeting dates scheduled?

Yours sincerely,

Michael Douglas

FOI-DPA Complaints, London Councils

Dear Mr Douglas

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000 - INFORMATION REQUEST

I acknowledge your request for information received on 27 June 2012.

Your request is being considered and we are required to send you the information requested within the statutory timescale of 20 working days unless an exemption applies.

The Act defines a number of exemptions which may prevent release of the information you have requested. There will be an assessment and if any of the exemption categories apply, then the information will not be released. You will be informed if this is the case, including your rights of appeal. In addition, where an exemption requires us to consider the public interest test, we are allowed to take longer than 20 working days to respond to your request but the timeframe must be reasonable. In this circumstance we would keep you informed of our target time for dealing with your request.

If appropriate, the information may be provided in paper copy, normal font size. If you require alternative formats, e.g. language, audio, large print, etc., then please let me know.

There may be a fee payable for the information you have requested. This will be considered and you will be informed if a fee is payable. In this event the fee must be paid before the information is processed and released. The 20 working day time limit for responses is suspended until receipt of the payment, and you have three months in which to send the fee. If you do not provide payment within three months your request will lapse.

If you have any queries or concerns, please contact me.

Further information about the Freedom of Information Act is available from the Information Commissioner at: Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF. Telephone: (01625) 545700 www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk

Yours sincerely,

Sylvia Edohasim
Corporate Freedom of Information Officer

Sylvia Edohasim |Corporate Complaints and Freedom of Information Officer |Corporate Governance | London Councils |59½ Southwark Street |London SE1 0AL |Tel:0207 934 9845 |Website: www.londoncouncils.gov.uk

Please note that I work part-time on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays only.

Follow London Councils on Twitter: @londoncouncils

Use this link: http://twitter.com/londoncouncils

E-mail: [email address] with any suggestions on people you think we should be following.

show quoted sections

FOI-DPA Complaints, London Councils

1 Attachment

Dear Mr Douglas

Please see the attached correspondence with regards to your request to us under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Many thanks
Sylvia

Sylvia Edohasim |Corporate Complaints and Freedom of Information Officer |Corporate Governance | London Councils |59½ Southwark Street |London SE1 0AL |Website: www.londoncouncils.gov.uk

Please note that I work part-time on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays only.

Follow London Councils on Twitter: @londoncouncils

Use this link: http://twitter.com/londoncouncils

E-mail: [email address] with any suggestions on people you think we should be following.

show quoted sections