MP Attacks 'Outrageous Claims' by Tory Council over Freedom Passes

12.40.28pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 27th May 2003

Vincent Cable MP has attacked Twickenham Conservatives for circulating a leaflet in the area which claims that "the Conservative Council has extended the Freedom Travel Pass to ALL residents, male and female, aged over 60."

Vincent Cable called the claim "outrageous" since the removal of discrimination against men aged 60 to 65 "has nothing to do with the council but is required by law, following a ruling in the European Court of Justice, discrimination has been deemed illegal and the Freedom Pass will now be available to men and women equally across the country regardless of the council involved. Morevoer all the oney for the changeover comes from the government."

Vincent Cable MP added: "The Freedom Pass is one of the most valued entitlements for pensioners and it is important that politicians of all parties work together and protect and support the scheme."

"Our local Conservative Councillors either don't understand the legal position or are dishonestly misrepresenting it. In fact, where they have some discretion - as over Freedom Passes for the mentally ill and disabled - they have often been unsympathetic.