Free bus passes for over 60s update as new DfT statement makes funding suggestion

The Department for Transport has issued a response to campaigners who want the same automatic concession as those in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to be extended to over 60s in England

The Department for Transport has addressed the increasing demands for bus passes to be made available to over 60s in England, as a campaign gains momentum for English residents to receive the same automatic concession currently enjoyed by their counterparts in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

At present, while devolved governments in other parts of the UK opt to fund free bus travel from age 60, England's approach requires local councils to allocate their own resources if they wish to offer the passes. This has led to limited availability in certain areas such as London and Merseyside, with many local authorities facing financial constraints.

A significant movement, including a parliamentary petition advocating for free bus passes at age 60, has garnered the support of 55,032 individuals. Liberal Democrat MP Rachel Gilmour posed a question to Heidi Alexander, Secretary of State for Transport, inquiring: "What assessment her Department has made of the merits of introducing free bus passes for people aged 60 and over."

Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) Simon Lightwood has now provided an official reply, acknowledging that any alterations would have financial implications. However, he also mentioned that new funding is being allocated for bus transport outside of London, which could potentially enable local authorities to use it towards this end.

He stated, "The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age, currently sixty-six. The ENCTS costs around £700 million annually and any changes to the statutory obligations, such as lowering the age of eligibility, would therefore need to be carefully considered for its impact on the scheme's financial sustainability.", reports Lancs Live.

"Local authorities in England have the power to offer concessions in addition to their statutory obligations such as lowering the age of eligibility. Additional local concessions are provided and funded by local authorities from local resources.

"The government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. This includes £243 million for bus operators and £712 million allocated to local authorities across the country. Devon County Council and Somerset Council have been allocated £11.6 and £6.8 million of this funding respectively. Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services for passengers can be used in whichever way they wish. This could include extending the discretionary concessions available in the local area."

A petition on the Parliament website is gaining traction, currently boasting over 53,000 signatures, and it's halfway to prompting a debate in the Commons. The supporters of the petition are rallying for: "We call on the Government to extend free bus travel to all people over 60 years old in England outside London. We believe the current situation is unjust and we want equality for everyone over 60."

The crux of the argument put forth in the petition is that while London residents enjoy free bus travel at 60, this privilege doesn't extend to other parts of England until the state pension age, which the campaigners find inequitable. They argue, "Currently, people in England who do not live in London are not entitled to free bus travel until they reach the state pension age, which we believe has changed dramatically. As people get older some over 60s drive less and less, therefore we believe we need equality on public transport. It would mean England had the same provision as Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland."

For those interested in seeing the petition or signing it, a link with the invitation "To view the petition click here" is included.