The property and crafting star doesn’t think everyone entitled to a pass should use it
TV presenter Kirstie Allsopp has become embroiled in a row with children’s author Michael Rosen after accusing some users of a free public transport travel pass for pensioners of “bankrupting our country”. The 54-year-old Location, Location, Location presenter hit out at 79-year-old We’re Going On A Bear Hunt author Rosen on X, after he took to the social media platform to say that his Transport for London (TfL) Freedom Pass was not working and that he could not get a replacement.
Allsopp replied to his post: “A writer so successful that today is a day dedicated to him in schools all over the country thinks it is reasonable that he travels for free due to his age. People have to stop taking things they do not need, it is wrong and it is bankrupting our country.”
In reply, Rosen pointed out that he also uses the NHS and that his children have all attended state schools, but Allsopp claimed it was “not the same” and told him he did not need to travel for free, telling him “accepting free travel is wrong”. Rosen added: “But you’ve explained that you know my income (and my responsibilities) ie my income flow, so you must also know whether I could afford private health insurance and/or private education.”
Allsopp fired back saying private healthcare and education “costs a great deal more than travel on the tube or buses”, before asking Rosen if he uses his Freedom Pass because he cannot afford to travel without it. The Harrow-born author replied: “Which of the state provisions is it ok to use and which not? What about tax relief on donations to charities? Grants/subsidies/discounts for buildings? Are there other concessions I don’t know about?”
TfL says its Freedom Pass can be acquired by anyone who lives in a London borough and aged over 66, or is disabled. The pass allows users to travel for free on London buses, trams and train services including the London Underground, and gives discounts for river boat services and Santander Cycles.
It can also be used to travel for free on buses outside of the capital between 9.30am and 11pm on weekdays, and anytime on weekends and public holidays.