Havering Fights London Councils’ Freedom Pass Cuts for Pensioners

Key Points

• Proposals by London Councils to scrap or restrict Freedom Pass access, including possible removal of Tube and rail travel for older residents, have sparked fierce opposition in Havering.
• Borough leaders warn that pensioners could be left isolated and cut off from essential services due to these plans.
• Havering councillors, MPs, and community representatives have united to fight any downgrade or removal of the Freedom Pass, described as a vital lifeline for the elderly.
• Havering residents, particularly in areas like Rainham and Harold Hill, face weaker transport links compared to other London boroughs, making the pass essential for daily life.
• Havering has a higher proportion of older residents than much of the capital, relying on the pass for shops, medical appointments, family visits, and community services.
• Cabinet Member Councillor Barry Mugglestone has vowed to object to any restrictions, taking opposition directly to London Councils.
• Havering Residents Association councillors strongly oppose changes, citing the borough’s poor transport infrastructure.
• Romford MP Andrew Rosindell has condemned the proposals, launched a campaign and public petition in Romford and Hornchurch, and introduced a Bill to the House of Commons to protect and extend the Freedom Pass.
• Reform GLA Member Keith Prince has criticised the Labour-led London Councils for showing contempt for the elderly.
• Rosindell highlighted misconceptions about the pass: it is funded by local councils, not a gift from the Mayor or TfL, and devolution does not guarantee it.
• Rosindell called for government reform of local funding, untangling devolution, and support for his Bill.
• Cutting rail and Tube access would disproportionately affect boroughs like Havering, isolating pensioners and restricting independence.

Havering (East London Times) January 9, 2026 – Proposals by London Councils to scrap or restrict the Older Person’s Freedom Pass, including the removal of Tube and rail travel for pensioners, have ignited fierce backlash from Havering leaders. Councillors, MPs, and residents warn that such changes would isolate elderly residents in this outer borough with limited transport options. Local figures have united in opposition, vowing to fight the plans at every level.

What Are London Councils Proposing for the Freedom Pass?

As exclusively revealed by The Havering Daily, London Councils are considering measures to limit or eliminate Freedom Pass benefits beyond buses, potentially stripping older residents of free Tube and rail access. This comes amid financial pressures on transport funding across the capital. Borough leaders in Havering emphasise that the pass remains a lifeline, with Romford MP Andrew Rosindell stating,

“For pensioners in Havering, the Freedom Pass is a lifeline. Taking it away would isolate older residents and strip them of their independence.”.

Havering’s unique challenges amplify the stakes. Areas such as Rainham and Harold Hill suffer weaker transport links than central boroughs, rendering public transport a necessity rather than a luxury. With a higher elderly population than much of London, pensioners depend on the pass for routine travel to shops, medical appointments, family, and community services.

Why Is Havering Uniting Against These Cuts?

Havering councillors have pledged unwavering resistance. Cabinet Member Councillor Barry Mugglestone told The Havering Daily,

“I am totally against any schemes or ideas that the Freedom Pass is reduced to buses only. I will make it very clear at London Councils that Havering is totally against any reduction in the Freedom Pass. The residents of Havering deserve the pass to have freedom to travel on buses and trains. London Councils will get the message loud and clear.”

He confirmed plans to voice this opposition directly at London Councils meetings.

Havering Residents Association councillors echoed this stance, declaring they will “vehemently oppose” any alterations. They argue that the borough’s deficient transport infrastructure heightens the pass’s importance, preventing elderly isolation.

What Has Andrew Rosindell Said About the Proposals?

Romford MP Andrew Rosindell has launched a robust campaign against the cuts. As reported by The Havering Daily, he stated,

“Today, the news that London Councils are considering scrapping the Older Person’s Freedom Pass will come as a shock to many, especially to pensioners in Havering, for whom the Freedom Pass is vital to their everyday lives.”

Rosindell affirmed,

“This policy proposal is something that I am completely and resolutely opposed to and will fight against any plan to take the Freedom Pass away from my constituents.”

He linked the controversy to his recent legislative efforts, noting,

“Having only recently introduced a Bill to the House of Commons to protect the Freedom Pass for all areas of Greater London and extend it to all boroughs served by Transport for London, it demonstrates how crucial and relevant my legislation is.”

Rosindell portrayed the pass as recompense for lifelong contributions:

“Having worked hard all their lives by paying their taxes, contributing to the economy, and to society, the Freedom Pass offers the opportunity to stay connected and to live active, dignified lives.”

Which Misconceptions Did Rosindell Address?

Rosindell tackled key misunderstandings.

“Yet, it is often hounded by misunderstanding and misconception. The first being that this is a gift given by the Mayor of London and Transport for London, but it is not. Local people in places like Havering pay for the privilege through their local Councils. The second is that by being under the jurisdiction of the Mayor of London and City Hall we are guaranteed the Freedom Pass. This demonstrates that we are not.”

What Action Is Rosindell Demanding from Government?

Rosindell urged swift intervention.

“Firstly, it must reformulate the local government funding formula, so that areas like Havering get the funding we need and deserve, making damaging decisions such as this a relic of the past. Secondly, the government must untangle the devolutionary mess, thereby restoring transparency and control to local government. Finally, I would like the government to consider supporting my Bill so that the Freedom Pass can never be taken away from the people of Havering or any borough that has chosen to be part of the scheme.”

He issued a direct rebuke to London Councils:

“London Councils should immediately dispose of this dreadful proposal, which will spread fear and anger amongst so many older people who depend on using their Freedom Pass and could not afford to lose it.”

Rosindell announced a grassroots effort:

“I am also launching a local campaign in Romford and Hornchurch to seek support from local people and a public petition to keep the Freedom Pass and oppose any plans to scrap it. As Romford’s MP, I will fight any such proposal every step of the way.”

Who Else Is Opposing the Freedom Pass Restrictions?

Havering’s Reform GLA Member Keith Prince voiced strong disapproval. As covered by The Havering Daily, he said,

“I am appalled by the proposals put forward by Labour led London Councils to reduce the benefits and possibly stop completely the free use of rail for Freedom Pass holders in London. Once again this is an example of Labour’s complete contempt for the elderly. Time and time again, Labour are hitting pensioners the hardest after promising change at the last General Election.”

How Would Freedom Pass Cuts Impact Havering Pensioners?

Across Havering, leaders agree that restricting the pass to buses or eliminating rail and Tube access would devastate vulnerable residents. Pensioners risk isolation, curtailed independence, and disconnection from daily life. Boroughs with poorer infrastructure like Havering face disproportionate harm, as alternatives remain scarce or unaffordable.

The Havering Daily highlighted that without full access, older residents in outer areas could struggle to maintain community ties. Rosindell reinforced this: the pass enables active, dignified lives post-retirement.

What Is the Broader Context of Rosindell’s Freedom Pass Bill?

Mr Rosindell introduced a Bill to the House of Commons aimed at safeguarding the Freedom Pass across Greater London and extending it to all TfL-served boroughs. This move underscores ongoing debates over transport equity. Supporters view it as essential amid funding shortfalls, while critics question costs—though Rosindell counters that local council contributions already fund the scheme.

Havering’s campaign aligns with this Bill, positioning the borough at the forefront of resistance. Local unity signals potential for wider London-wide pushback.

Why Does Havering’s Transport Situation Make This Critical?

Havering’s peripheral location exacerbates reliance on the Freedom Pass. Unlike inner boroughs with ample options, residents in Rainham, Harold Hill, and similar districts depend on rail and Tube for connectivity. The Havering Daily noted that scrapping these elements would transform a necessity into an unaffordable burden, punishing those least able to adapt.

Councillor Mugglestone’s commitment to lobby London Councils reflects this urgency. The collective response from councillors, MPs, and associations demonstrates Havering’s resolve.