Brent Council has welcomed a new London Councils report confirming that Brent will pay the highest contribution of any London borough towards the Freedom Pass in 2026/27.
The report shows Brent’s total contribution next year will be over £17million, the biggest bill in London. That reflects just how important the Freedom Pass is to local people, and just how many Brent residents rely on public transport every day.
For thousands of older and disabled residents, the Freedom Pass is a vital lifeline. It helps people get to medical appointments, visit family and friends, do their shopping, stay active and remain connected to their communities. London Councils says concessionary fares provide a major economic benefit to eligible older and disabled people, and that in London this is strengthened by the wider range of transport modes available through the scheme.
Brent’s contribution is no surprise given the borough’s exceptional public transport offer with Transport for London maintaining 21 Tube stations, alongside 12 London Overground stations, around 600 bus stops and 59 day bus routes, making Brent one of the best-connected boroughs in the capital. Opting to walk, cycle or get around by public transport helps cut traffic congestion and improve air quality.
The report also makes clear that councils are footing most of the bill. Government funding covers only 30% of costs, with the rest paid for from borough income, including excess parking income and other local authority funding. In Brent, that means money from the parking revenue account, including parking fines, helps pay for the Freedom Pass.
