London council taxpayers and motorists to foot the bill for free public transport

The Congestion Charge will help fund the concessions

London council taxpayers and motorists are to foot the bill for teenagers and pensioners to travel free on public transport under budget plans announced today by mayor Sadiq Khan.

City Hall's council tax levy will see the average Band D household pay an extra £31 this year.

The £15 Congestion Charge will also help fund the controversial travel concessions.

Free travel for under 18s and over 60s was excluded from last year's £3.3bn government bailout of Transport for London but Mr Khan, facing re-election this year, was determined to protect the scheme.

TfL's finances collapsed after Londoners were told to stay at home during the first lockdown in March 2020.

The mayor's council tax bill - known as the precept - includes extra funding for the Metropolitan Police.

But GLA Conservatives said the choice will 'hurt the poorest Londoners the most'

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