Islington Council is reminding Freedom Pass holders they must renew their passes by 1 April to be sure of claiming their entitlement to free travel anywhere in the country.<br><br>Over 24,000 Islington residents are entitled to free travel worth hundreds of pounds through the Freedom Pass scheme - the country's largest - providing disabled Londoners and the over 60s with free travel on trains, tubes, buses, and trams.<br><br>Speaking at an event today (11 February) to promote take-up of the concessionary pass, Cllr John Gilbert, Islington Council's Executive Member for Health and Social Care said: <br><br>"With a large number of older and disabled people living here, Islington has been one of London's keenest champions of the Freedom Pass and supported an extension of the scheme last November. <br><br>"Despite difficulties in agreeing how it will be paid for I'm happy to confirm that we in Islington are proud to provide the Freedom Pass. We will continue to push for decisions on its future funding to be made locally and not by the Mayor."<br><br>From April, Freedom Pass holders will also be able to travel free of charge on local buses outside the morning peak anywhere in England as part of the National Concessionary Bus Travel Scheme.<br><br>The Freedom Pass scheme is jointly funded by Islington Council and the Government. Veteran actor Leslie Phillips is promoting take up of the scheme with the country's over 60s.<br><br>ENDS<br>
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009