Comments on: Budget Cuts Target Town Centres

By: Henry Law

Henry Law — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 09:27:20 +0000

No Mike Havering Council pay for the Freedom Passes.
It is not from parking charges etc.
Yes Doug is correct they cost the Council around £300 each and should be used.
The Council I believe we tracking down none users to request in an effort to save cash if they actually needed them..

I use mine regularly and am thankful …especially when I travel to the Cricket or Football in London

By: Mike Challis

Mike Challis — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 19:49:37 +0000

My understanding is that the Freedom pass is funded by parking charges and parking fines, so the cost falls on the motorist. So the more effective the council happens to be in enforcing the fines the less they will have to find.
Also means testing would cost more than it would save.

By: DOUGLAS BAXTER

DOUGLAS BAXTER — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 13:32:14 +0000

I have been informed (true or not ) that every Freedom Pass costs the council £300. Being a somewhat ‘Elderly’ area I suspect this is a large expenditure for Havering. Whilst I commend the principle that it aids those in most need, it in effect is also assisting some of the wealthier of our community. In fact when I spoke to an elderly friend last year, when renewing his pass, questioning when he would actually use it as I was of the opinion that he would drive ‘Everywhere’. He explained that he had never used it and really had no intention, however , as he was entitled he would have it just in case. I then explained that was rather selfish as the cost was passed onto less well off in the community. This was immediately met by a response of “I have paid my dues over the years, I am entitled to it “.
As a recipient myself I would be more than willing to be assessed in order to make a payment. Just having discounted fares would be a big bonus but free in this current financial climate is possibly a little too generous.
Just something to consider in contrast to other proposals which would affect those not so well off