Lost Freedom Passes will incur a £10 charge as of next week.

From the start of December, residents who lose or damage the freedom passes will be charged £10.

Following the decision London Councils Transport and Environment Committee (TEC) to charge those over 60 or with a disability, Sutton council will introduce the measure next month.

Residents will now have to go directly to the London Councils for any replacements, but, new Freedom Passes will be issued as normal through the libraries and other council points.

Councillor Colin Stears, Chair of the Adult Social Services and Health Committee said: "This decision by London Councils brings Sutton in line with other London authorities.

For a while we have been the only borough to administer the replacement of Freedom passes."

No charge will be made to replace stolen passes, so long as a crime reference number is produced. Without this number the card would be considered lost and a charge would apply.