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If you are aged 60 and over and are about to renew your
freedom pass, you can do this at the post office in the normal
way.
If you are about to renew your disabled freedom pass you could be
affected by some changes and need to check that you are still
eligible.
The national and London-wide rules on Freedom Passes have
changed. Unlike other London boroughs, Newham has been issuing
passes to disabled people with registered mental health needs or on
medical grounds evidenced by a questionnaire from a GP.
The Transport Act 2000 has removed our own discretionary
criteria and we have to fall into line with London-wide agreed
automatic criteria; Freedom Passes not issued under this criteria
will be invalid. Other London boroughs are already operating under
these rules.
People affected by the new criteria are:
- Those who are currently eligible via GP assessments
- Those on the lower rate mobility component of Disability Living
Allowance and those on the Disability Living Allowance care
component (higher, middle and lower rate)
- Most of those who are eligible on mental health
grounds.
Freedom Passes allow people aged 60 or older to travel free on
the capital's Tubes, buses, Docklands Light Railway, trams from 9am
and on national rail services within London from 9.30am. At
weekends there are no time restrictions.
Disabled Freedom Pass holders enjoy 24-hour free travel on
buses, trams, the DLR and Tubes. They can also travel free on
national rail services within London from 9.30am.
From April 1, pass holders will also be able to travel free of
charge on buses outside the morning peak anywhere in England as
part of a national concessionary bus travel scheme.
You will shortly receive a letter from the council, explaining
when and where you can apply for your new pass.
For more information, contact any
Local Service Centre
where staff can give you an application form, guidance notes about
criteria and information on how to be reassessed if
necessary.
You can also call the council on 020 8430
2000
If you are aged 60 or over and live permanently in Newham you
ARE NOT affected and can apply for or renew a
freedom pass at the post office. You need to take:
- a completed application form, available from the post
office
- one recent passport sized photograph of yourself
- proof of your name, age and address, such as a passport, birth
certificate, driving licence, Council Tax or utility bill or
television licence.
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