Freedom Passes

You'll need to provide:

• Proof of identity (passport, driving licence, birth certificate)
• Proof of residency in Harrow (recent utility bill, council tax bill, or GP registration, NHS letter)
• If you pay council tax in Harrow, this will be used as evidence if the property is your main residence (not a second home)

Your disability or medical condition must be permanent or have lasted (or be expected to last) at least 12 months.

While GPs can provide medical summaries, Harrow Council uses independent health professionals for assessments. GP endorsement alone is not sufficient for non-automatic applications.

You automatically qualify if you receive:

• Higher Rate Mobility Component of DLA (HRMCDLA)
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP) with 8+ points for 'moving around' OR 'communicating verbally'
• War Pensioner's Mobility Supplement (WPMS)

Evidence needed: Current proof of benefit receipt (must be in place for at least 12 months or expected to last 12 months).

Accepted evidence:

• Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI) signed by a Consultant Ophthalmologist
• Letter from an eye specialist confirming you qualify to be registered as severely sight impaired or sight impaired

This is usually permanent and won't require review.

You need bilateral hearing loss of 70 dBHL or greater in both ears.

Evidence needed:

• Audiology report showing decibel levels
• Medical report confirming severity of hearing loss

Note: If you have a cochlear implant that reduces hearing loss below these levels, you may qualify under Category C (Without Speech) instead.

Accepted evidence:

• Documentation confirming you use sign language
• Medical report confirming severe speech impairment (e.g., following a stroke)
• Proof of severe learning disability affecting speech

You must be unable to communicate orally in any language (not just slow or difficult speech).

You must show you:

• Cannot walk at all, OR
• Are virtually unable to walk, OR
• Walking would endanger your life or seriously deteriorate your health

Evidence should include:

• Medical diagnosis and condition details
• Distance you can walk before severe discomfort
• Your walking speed and need for rests
• Mobility aids used
• Medication and treatment
• How your condition affects daily activities
• Pain, breathlessness, or fatigue experienced

Helpful documents:

• Consultant letters
• Hospital records
• Therapy reports
• Care plans
• Medication lists

Evidence needed:

• Medical report confirming your condition and functional loss of both arms

This is usually permanent and won't require review.

You must have all three:

1. Significantly reduced ability to understand new information (IQ of 70 or below)
2. Significantly reduced ability to cope independently (impaired social functioning)
3. Condition started before age 18

Note: Dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, Asperger's, and Autistic Spectrum Disorder alone do NOT qualify (though they may be co-morbid with a learning disability).

Evidence needed for IQ:

• Educational statement (SEN or EHCP) identifying severe, moderate, or mild learning disability
• Medical summary with diagnosis
• Official assessment showing IQ of 70 or below

Plus evidence of impaired social functioning:

• DLA Care Component (middle or higher rate)
• PIP Standard Rate Daily Living with 4+ points in at least 2 relevant activities
• Evidence of supported living
• Support worker reports
• Evidence of travel training

You may qualify if you have:

• Epilepsy - not seizure-free for more than 12 months
• Severe mental disorder
• Sudden attacks of giddiness or fainting
• Inability to read a number plate at 20.5 metres
• Other disabilities that would make driving dangerous

Evidence needed:

• Letter from DVLA confirming licence refusal
• Consultant's report confirming you don't meet DVLA requirements
• Medical proof of recent seizures (for epilepsy)
• Proof of licence surrender due to condition
• Psychiatrist report (for mental health conditions)

Note: Harrow may check your response with the DVLA

To qualify, you must be registered with Central and North-West London NHS Foundation Trust or on a relevant Harrow patient list, and meet one of the following sets of criteria:

Eligibility Route 1 – You must meet all these requirements:

• Receive Middle Rate DLA Care Component, OR score 12+ points for PIP Daily Living, OR receive Enhanced Rate PIP Daily Living
• Have a severe and enduring mental health condition lasting 12 months or longer that significantly affects your ability to function socially
• Be under the regular care of a mental health professional (such as a psychiatrist, Community Psychiatric Nurse, or be on a Care Programme Approach)

Eligibility Route 2 – You must meet all these requirements:

• Attend mental health day care or clinic sessions at least twice per week
• Require a travel pass to attend these sessions
• Require attendance at a Mental Health Hospital for regulated medication
• Have a documented therapeutic need for these services

Exceptional Circumstances: A pass may be granted if you have a chronic medical condition that is worsened by physical activity.

Additionally, an escort pass may be issued for someone accompanying a teenager or adult with learning disabilities who cannot travel safely independently. Please note that escort passes are only valid while the person being cared for is under 18 years of age.

Important Information:

• This pass is valid for travel within Greater London only
• It cannot be used in combination with a Taxi card

If your evidence is insufficient, you will be contacted to request additional information. You have 56 days to provide the required evidence.

Most applications are decided through desktop assessment. You may be invited for a face-to-face mobility assessment if:

• Evidence is unclear
• Further assessment is needed

You have the right to appeal within 4 weeks of the refusal date. You must provide additional evidence beyond what was originally submitted.

If refused after appeal, you cannot reapply for 9 months unless your mobility has significantly deteriorated, with medical evidence to prove it (e.g., hospital discharge summary, consultant letter confirming diagnosis and effect on mobility).