Disability freedom passes - Southwark Council

Southwark council are bad, I went into the rent office to have a medical for a freedom pass, after lady telling me she was not qualified to look at my swollen ankles etc. and back problems, I received letter saying I failed for one, so now have appealed, they dont even send you to a proper medical centre for tests by proper doctors, it could have been a rent officer doing the assessment for all I know. Now I have to appeal it, god knows how long that will all take. I have never applied before but a friend said I should be entitle cause of my health problems.

Trouble is, the criteria have been tightened up so much under the Transport Act 2000. I am crippled with arthritis and find walking difficult, but didn't get my pass on mobility (that would have entitled me to a nationwide bus pass, as opposed to the London only one I now have) - I got my pass due to my mental illness.

Sadly, friends are all too often not experts in disability rights and your friend may not be aware of just how tight the criteria are these days.

Good luck with your appeal.

Hi Ladywriter, I am intrigued to say the least, who sent you into a rent office for a medical? I know cutbacks are the norm now days ! I had occ.therapist call in and visit me for my application for a shower and I had to produce evidence of all my medical problems as when my g.p. wrote the first letter I had not developed the other two nasties, but at least she was very well qualified.

As Auntie Pat said there are so many changes in the criteria and what your well meaning friends have read in official pamphlets etc., may no longer apply..I have done it myself advised people, to find out had I read the 25,000 word documents instead a 2 page leaflet there are always exceptions to the rule! I hope you have luck with your appeal love..:-)

It is horrendous, degrading and demoralising that the Council makes one jump through flaming hoops - then back again...and again for the Disabled Freedom Pass.

One year before my 60th, the Council took mine away [after I had had it for 10 years]. I appealed - which included appearing in front of the Scrutiny Committee, after the debacle of that year - and won, and also received a substantial award based on a 6 zone pass for the number of weeks it had taken. They never sent me a letter confirming I had won - the pass simply arrived!

Ladywriter, I know it's difficult when the health is poor, but do keep a note of dates, copies of documents etc - and make sure you, too, get the 'rebate' of monies you have spent whilst awaiting the correct decision.

All thr very best.