LIB DEMS BLAST INCREDIBLE LABOUR VOTE AGAINST FREEDOM PASS (Southwark Liberal Democrats)

Southwark Liberal Democrats <info@southwark-libdems.org.uk>

LIB DEMS BLAST INCREDIBLE LABOUR VOTE AGAINST FREEDOM PASS

June 28, 2007 12:00 AM

Liberal Democrats on Southwark Council have attacked the Labour group for voting against a motion to secure the long-term future of the Freedom Pass. The Freedom Pass has allowed older and disabled residents to enjoy free travel around the capital for the past 23 years.

At last night's Council Assembly, Labour councillors raised their hands to vote against the motion which stated 'Council Assembly reiterates its support for the continuation of the Freedom Pass in its current form'.

Commenting on the debate, Cllr Caroline Pidgeon, Liberal Democrat Executive Member for Children's Services who spoke for the Liberal Democrats last night, said:

"I find it absolutely astonishing that, when Ken Livingstone is running a campaign 'to save the freedom pass' Labour councillors in Southwark should be voting against a motion pledging support for the pass. I would imagine that the Mayor of London will be absolutely livid with them."

Liberal Democrat Cllr Denise Capstick, Executive Member for Health and Adult Care, added:

"We will continue to defend the Freedom Pass for all its users. Ken Livingstone has raised costs by 52% in 7 years. These are costs that have to be paid by all council tax payers and we believe that they deserve a better deal. But we are adamant that any change in the funding arrangements cannot come at the expense of the freedom for older and disabled people to travel for free across the capital."