Mentally ill will fight for Freedom Passes - Judicial review sought in Royal Courts of Justice

Published: 23 June 2011
by TOM FOOT

THe decision to take Freedom Passes away from hundreds of mentally ill people in Camden could be reversed by a High Court judge.

Jason Roberts, a governor at the Camden and Islington Foundation Trust, and another mental health “service-user”, are seeking a judicial review in the Royal Courts of Justice. They say the Town Hall’s decision was unlawful because it was based on a flawed consultation that did not consider the impact it would have on the mentally ill. Mental health patients are legally categorised as disabled.

On Tuesday, Sue Willman, from law firm Pierce Glynn,  gave the council a 14-day ultimatum to reverse the move or face being taken to court. In a letter, she said: “Our clients have a history of mental illness and have both been in receipt of Freedom Passes on the basis of their mental illness for some time. They rely heavily on this unlimited access to free travel.”

There are currently 1,400 people in the borough with a Freedom Pass because they have severe mental health issues. The passes were “deactiv­ated” on May 30 with an estimated annual saving of £380,000 for the Town Hall.

A Camden Council spokeswoman said: “The consultation process was carried out in accordance with nationally recognised guidelines and adhered to best practice.”