BEXLEY Council could be be facing another hefty bill to help keep the capital’s Freedom Pass scheme intact.

Transport for London (TfL) has withdrawn its support for a private Parliamentary Bill which could result in a £37m shortfall in the cost of maintaining the pass next year.

The Freedom Pass allows pensioners and people with disabilities to travel free on London’s public transport system, including the Tube, buses and Network Rail.

It is paid for jointly through a government grant and contributions from each of the London boroughs.

The Bill was being promoted by London Councils, the umbrella and pressure group for all London authorities, which had negotiated a five-year funding settlement with TfL.

But because of the funding cutbacks, TfL says it can no longer afford its share of the cost.

This year Bexley was forced to levy a one per cent council tax rise to help plug a £30m shortfall in funding after the previous Labour government reduced the level of its agreed contribution to the pass.

Part of the settlement with TfL allowed the London boroughs to call in an arbiter to set the funding level if there was no agreement, something TfL has also resisted.

Talks are still continuing, but if nothing is agreed, London Mayor Boris Johnson could impose a funding level.

This year boroughs paid £266m to support the pass, but this is likely to increase by around £22m for 2011/12.

Bexley’s cabinet member for transport, Councillor Peter Craske said: “Clearly, there is a huge financial implication for all councils, including Bexley, if the changes proposed are eventually made.

“And once again, boroughs would need to find the additional money to ensure the pass is secured.”

He added: “At the moment, discussions are still ongoing between London boroughs and the Mayor over this issue, and it is too early to say what the final outcome will be.”