Forum Topic

Freedom Pass

Has anyone received their new replacement Freedom Pass from Hounslow Council for the one expiring this month ?

Bina Pandit ● 2438d57 Comments

No! Phone number 03003301433 says it will come before end March even though website says week of 24th Feb. they will be sent.

Helen Bamberger ● 2438d

Many thanks for this information.  I have passed this on to aged neighbours who were fretting about not receiving their new passes or, for that matter, any information at all.

Elizabeth Ross ● 2438d

Many thanksBINA

Bina Pandit ● 2438d

I looked on the FP admin site (not LBH) yesterday which said letters should have been received during February. There was an email address to contact if nothing had been received by 29th Feb. I think I found the site by searching but unable to look it atm.

Bob Guyett ● 2438d

Well it would be useful to know if anyone in Hounslow has received theirs yet.

Helen Bamberger ● 2437d

The couple concerned are in their mid 80’s and particularly use the buses for their hospital appointments.  If get any further information, then please do pass it on.

Elizabeth Ross ● 2437d

This is where I got the following info (Age UK London Website). Hope it helps.BTW, no-one I know in Chiswick has had any info as of Sunday just gone."If your Older Persons Freedom Pass expires on 31 March 2019 you will receive a letter in early February telling you how to renew your pass.By law, Freedom Passes must be renewed every five years. So if your pass expires on 31 March 2019 you'll need to renew it in order to keep using the scheme.The letters to older persons pass holders are being sent out in early February to all users with a Freedom Pass expiring on 31 March 2019. If you do not receive a letter by the end of February, you should contact the Freedom Pass Team on info@freedompass.org or call 0300 330 1433.You can renew your Freedom Pass online via the London Councils website.There are some exceptions to this: If you live in the London Borough of Camden you will either receive your new pass automatically, or be sent a form to verify that you still live in the borough. Any residents in the London Borough of Sutton who are not renewing their pass online must visit their local library to renew their card".

Bob Guyett ● 2437d

Filled in the form weeks ago and returned it.  No sign of any pass yet.

Micki Hawkes ● 2437d

From londoncouncils.gov.uk:.If you have used your pass within the last 2 years and your address details have not changed your renewed Older Person's Freedom Pass will automatically be posted to your home address between February – March 2020. You will receive your new pass before your current pass expires. You do not need to take any action.However, if our residency checks identify that you may have moved from the address we hold for you London Councils will have sent you a letter in mid-January inviting you to renew your pass. You will be asked to renew your Older Person's Freedom Pass online or by post, and provide proof of your address in London if your details have changed. Once you have completed your renewal your pass will be posted to you within three weeks.

Martine Dismore ● 2437d

But has anyone told LB Hounslow ?

Richard Greenhough ● 2437d

"But has anyone told LB Hounslow ?"As I understand it, the renewal process is being centrally managed by London Councils this year, no doubt in liaison with the boroughs in order to detect likely changes of address, etc.  and with TfL to check whether each pass has been used in the last two years.

Richard Jennings ● 2437d

Just recently have not used my Freedom Pass - travelling more by TaxiCard and friends also driving myself to shop etc.  However, it is useful to have this Freedom Pass, mine expires 31 March 2020.  Will it be automatically renewed or do I have to apply to LBH?

Jennifer Selig ● 2437d

Have you used your Freedom Pass within the last 2 years?  If so, and your address hasn't changed, you'll receive a new pass later this month.  If it hasn't been used for more than 2 years, you need to write to London Councils at info@freedompass.org or phone them on 0300 330 1433 so that they can discuss the renewal of your pass.

Richard Jennings ● 2437d

Richard you say has anyone contacted LBH yet-It would be good to know how to speak to a human about this than just an automated service !We were told they would arrive in February.

Helen Bamberger ● 2437d

I’m with LBE and my pass runs out at the end of this month, I can’t decide whether to worry.

Maggie Dodge ● 2436d

I noticed the last few times I used it - about ten days ago - it flashed up 'expiring soon'.  I suppose I'll have to call the number posted up here.

Micki Hawkes ● 2436d

This morning I received a response from London Councils to my email mentioned above.It stated that it would arrive before the end of March, providing there were no changes to details.

Bob Guyett ● 2436d

That's exactly what the recorded message says when you phone.  I'm wondering why I had to complete the form and return it... I've lived at the same address for over fifty years, use the pass frequently and am still alive - just about.  So I guess there'll be a deluge of post from the issuing office in the next couple of weeks.  Wonder when they'll change the message to "don't panic".

Micki Hawkes ● 2436d

My husband received a letter asking to confirm his address, which he did.  He has just received his pass.  I'm at the same address, did not receive the letter, and haven't yet received my pass. I think the address checking must be a random exercise.  We're in LBE.  According to the website, LBE and Hounslow were sending their passes out the week of 24 February and we should allow up to 3 weeks for delivery. So I guess no need to panic until the end of next week!

Barbara Robinson ● 2435d

Interesting to note that Richmond Council sent theirs 3 weeks ago!

Helen Bamberger ● 2435d

Just like Barbara’s  husband, my wife received a letter asking her to confirm her address and apply for a new Freedom Pass on-line. This was a few weeks ago and she has already received her new pass whereas I received no letter and I’m still waiting for mine. We both use our passes regularly and have lived at the same address for the same length of time so maybe it is just a random check.

Michael David Rowe ● 2435d

"Interesting to note that Richmond Council sent theirs 3 weeks ago!"That just shows that the system is working.  It's all being done centrally by London Councils, and Richmond were planned to be earlier in the schedule than Hounslow and Ealing.

Richard Jennings ● 2435d

So Richard, should I chase my pass up, or be patient, in your opinion 🤔

Maggie Dodge ● 2435d

Be patient. You should receive your new pass by the end of next week.

Richard Jennings ● 2435d

That's what I was told this morning by London Councils who are only issuing Freedom Passes to the "Older" FP holders. Why we are identified as Older I fail to understand. Over 60 or 65 perhaps would be more appropriate?It seems if you have any sort of disability as a Pass holder then your local council should deal with the renewal.

Derek Hill ● 2435d

Thanks for that

Maggie Dodge ● 2434d

Don't know about that.  If you class 60 or 65 as old, then I'm ancient.

Micki Hawkes ● 2434d

More evidence that the system is working:I've received an email this evening from the Freedom Pass team at London Councils to say that my Freedom Pass has been posted to my home address by second-class post, and advised to contact them if it hasn't arrived in 10 days.

Richard Jennings ● 2434d

I’ve had this email as well.

Michael David Rowe ● 2434d

I don't know why you're taking offence at 'older', Derek. It's a comparative. A five-year-old is older than a four-year-old and a sixty-five-year-old is older than a sixty-year-old. Definitely not fake news.

Susan Kelly ● 2434d

If you're not on the email list does that mean you won't get your Freedon Pass?

James Petri ● 2434d

Who said I was taking offence? I think your interpretation of "Older" is wrong.Seeing as the Freedom Passes are only issued to people of pensionable age why do London Councils or Local Authorities have to call it an "Older Persons" Freedom Pass other than to distinguish from a "Disabled" Persons Freedom Pass? In fact why not just call it a Freedom Pass, differentiated on application?

Derek Hill ● 2433d

" I’ve had this email as well "As have I. Except that the pass number quoted on the email isn't the number of my particular pass.As it couldn't be, as I only made a general enquiry without including any specific information.I suspect this is a boilerplate response theyuse for all email enquiriesmichael adams...

Michael Adams ● 2433d

The passes are sent automatically to the last known address if the pass has been used recently. The holder needs to do nothing.Either that or holders will already have received a letter asking for confirmation of various detailsI stand to be corrected, but I assume the emails being mentioned here were sent solely in response to email enquiries.  michael adams...

Michael Adams ● 2433d

"I assume the emails being mentioned here were sent solely in response to email enquiries."The mail I received wasn't in response to any enquiry or application of mine, which is why the opening sentence of "Thank you for renewing your Freedom Pass" was rather odd.  Also, I've checked my current Freedom Pass today and the number is not the one on the letter. A mystery!

Richard Jennings ● 2433d

Just like Richard the email I received was also not in response to any enquiry from me. The email starts with “Freedom Pass Number: 030714068402 “ and this number is not my Freedom Pass and does not correspond to the form of a Freedom Pass number.  I suspect it’s just a generic number as it were. Interestingly, if you go to the website https://secure.freedompass.org/tracker# you can track your Freedom Pass “application” status by entering your name, date of birth and postcode. Apparently mine was printed on 26th Feb and posted 5th March

Michael David Rowe ● 2433d

Michael David Rowe explainedInterestingly, if you go to the website https://secure.freedompass.org/tracker# you can track your Freedom Pass “application” status by entering your name, date of birth and postcode.Thanks for that. It would seem mine was postedon 3/3. I'd imagine that were there any real problems, at the death they could always extend the expiry date on the gates and on buses by maybe a month.  michael adams...

Michael Adams ● 2433d

"The email starts with “Freedom Pass Number: 030714068402 “ and this number is not my Freedom Pass and does not correspond to the form of a Freedom Pass number."There are two numbers on my current Freedom Pass, an 18-digit number on the front and a 12-digit number 0306..... on the back.  The 12-digit numbers 0307..... on our letters are presumably the numbers on the back of our new cards.

Richard Jennings ● 2433d

Michael David Rowe - that was a very helpful link, from which I learned my pass was posted on 2 March.  Many thanks!

Barbara Robinson ● 2433d

I've never had an email.  The tracking site informs me that the application was received on 14 December, which sounds about right as I certainly returned the form well before Christmas, , and was requested on 20 February.  No mailing date.

Micki Hawkes ● 2433d

I just tried the Freedom Pass website and entered my details as you say and all that shows is my original application and issue in 2015. My pass expires at the end of this month.Just tried 03003301433 and the automated message says that I needn't do anything and that passes which expire on 31 March will be automatically renewed. I hope so but would be more reassured if the message given on the website indicated the same. Seems that there's nothing to do other than to hope for the best!

Anne England ● 2433d

There a regular problems with Freedom passes and they should send people reminders of when theirs is due.  The council always used to do this but the company that does the admin for it did not think it necessary, Are they still in charge of it?.  They also like to refuse your first application if you are applying as a person with disabilities no matter how much information you sent them.  It is a knock on effect fr many other subsidized transport available to elderly and disabled people.  You need to be eligible for a Freedom Pass in order to get a London Taxi Card or Dial a Ride.  You also need it for the mini cab discount from.  This a useful page from UK GOV which shows you what is available.  Many elderly people do not know about all of the schemes so if you have elderly neighbors or family make sure they apply because if they are out and feel ill you can hail a black cab at a very low cost and get home to your door.  Here is the link https://www.gov.uk/transport-disabled/taxis-and-minicabs I am happy to answer any questions on this if anyone has one or comes across a problem getting one.

Caroline Carney ● 2433d

Had an email yesterday to say it has been posted.

Elizabeth Price ● 2433d

That probably is okay, Anne, unless you’ve moved home in the interim.  I have moved recently but stayed in the borough of Ealing but a renewal form was sent to my old address in January.  Luckily I retrieved this and followed the instructions which involved sending by mail proof of my new address.  Hopefully this will do the trick(I had wrongly assumed that because I am in the same borough and properly registered for council tax etc that the Freedom Pass powers-that-be would have been informed and I wouldn’t have had to take any action).

Alastair Banton ● 2433d

My current pass card started stating would expire shortly when going through underground gates in February and expires end of March 2020.I received my new pass card for next five years to 2025 in post on Friday (I am in Ealing Borough) without any email or other communications, having lived in same property for many years. Covering letter indicates your sole or principal home must be in London and card to be returned if you move outside of London. Wonder if that may be what is behind the carrying out address checks others refer to?The attached letter with the new Pass indicates process is based in Arbroath Scotland (?) but provides various contact details so when you receive yours may be worth ensuring you keep that letter handy.

Joe Conneely ● 2432d

I also live in LBE also and receicved my pass this morning Monday 9th.I'm only posting because I just noticed that alot of the printing on the old pass has rubbed off which is only obvious when its removed from thewallet. Or at least half wallet as its kept inCC wallet.This was a replacement pass as the previous pass stop working at certain stations. But only atsome, not all of them. However matters were takenout of my hands literally, when a station assistant bent the pass slightly explainig thatshoe to get them to work which is clearly nonsense- I have a metal plate in my wallet to specificallyprevent such a possibility. A replacement for a "damaged card" cost £10 but I wasn't going to chain myself to any railings over it.michael adams

Michael Adams ● 2432d

Just opened an email which informs me that my pass has been despatched by 2nd class mail.  Hurrah.

Micki Hawkes ● 2431d

Me too!

Jill Merrett ● 2431d

Received pass today without a preliminary email.

Peter Evans ● 2431d

My pass arrived today the 10th and it was apparently posted second class on the 5th. So there is hope for all!

Michael David Rowe ● 2431d

Ours arrived to day - from Arbroath!

Vanessa Smith ● 2431d

That sounds very fishy to me Vanessa.Arbroath...kippers?I'll get my hat.

Adrian Irving ● 2430d

Arbroath...kippers?  I've always known and really enjoyed Arbroath Smokies, never called kippers.  They taste different too.

Jennifer Selig ● 2430d

Absolutely Jennifer..  Yer Arbroath Smokie is actually a haddock - another reason why it tastes quite different.  Far closer to the kipper and from the same family is yer lovely Yarmouth Bloater except it doesn't travel so well (lightly smoked = shorter shelf life) and is thus rarer..All to be taken very seriously and totally delicious..Check out yer magnificent Craster kipper...xx

Stuart Kerr ● 2430d

Yes, if you lose your card you have to apply to Arbroath.This is to prevent you going round and asking for a replacement at the doorGoing by train is a 6 hour trip from Kings Cross and costs £184.00 one way.  By the way as I found out, if you don't reply to their messages (because you have moved house and any forwarding arrangements have expired) then they will deactivate your card, and although most bus drivers don't require you to scan your card, the heavy handed ticket inspectors at, for example, Gunnersbury checkout, will not let you pass without buying a ticket when your card fails to operate the exit gates.Then you have to send new proof of address, to Arbroath, with a new declaration  and £12, in the meantime you are supposed to pay for your travel (but it seems bus drivers don't care)

James Roy ● 2430d

Oh well, another little gag gone up in smoke!

Adrian Irving ● 2430d

When I was informed that my wife's Freedom Pass was due for renewal, I emailed to say that she is now in care, cannot walk, hasn't used public transport for years, and therefore has no need of a Pass. I have now been told that the Pass is in the post!  The number given is not that on my Pass (valid until 2023). Perhaps the confusion is because we share the same initial, though she always adds her second initial to avoid just such mistakes. and I thought I was saving them money...

Arnold Saxton ● 2429d