Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Local Bus Services

Thursday 26 March 2026 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government confirmed over 3 billion for bus services over the next three years
  • 65 million provided to the East Midlands combined county authority until 2028-29
  • Hertfordshire piloting rural area appropriate franchising under the Bus Services Act 2025

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Claire Young Lib Dem Thornbury and Yate
Transport
Context

The MP has concerns over the recent assessment of bus services in her constituency, citing specific statistics and incidents affecting local residents.

Question

I am concerned about the adequacy of bus services. Can you provide a recent assessment?

Answer from Lilian Greenwood

Bus services are vital and we have confirmed over £3 billion for buses over the next three years, including providing multi-year funding to local authorities. Our Bus Services Act 2025 gives local leaders tools to ensure services meet local needs.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a recent assessment of bus service adequacy as requested

How: We Are Committed To Improving

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Q2 Juliet Campbell Lab Broxtowe
Transport
Context

Residents in Beeston Rylands have contacted the MP about infrequent and unreliable buses, particularly affecting elderly residents. The MP seeks information on government collaboration with regional mayors.

Question

Residents in Beeston Rylands face issues with infrequency and unreliability of bus services. Will the Minister outline how the Government are working with regional mayors to bolster such areas?

Answer from Lilian Greenwood

We are committed to working with local leaders and providing £65 million to the East Midlands combined county authority between now and 2028-29. Mayor Claire Ward is happy to work with my hon. Friend to plan bus networks that meet local needs, including in Beeston Rylands.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not outline specific steps or commitments beyond stating commitment and provision of funding

How: We Are Committed To Working With

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Q3 Gagan Mohindra Con South West Hertfordshire
Transport
Context

The MP questions the steps taken by the Department to hold bus operators accountable when service reductions negatively impact communities, citing a specific example in South Oxhey.

Question

South Oxhey saw a reduction from three buses per hour to an hourly 328 service with two-hour gaps. The Minister stated that local authorities have tools and funding under the Bus Services Act 2025 to manage services. What steps will the Department take to hold operators accountable?

Answer from Lilian Greenwood

Local authorities have both funding and tools to decide what works locally, including bus enhanced partnerships or franchising. Hertfordshire is piloting rural area appropriate franchising.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific steps taken by the Department for accountability beyond stating local authority options

How: It Is For Local Authorities

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Q4 Claire Young Lib Dem Thornbury and Yate
Economy Transport
Context

The MP raises concerns over delayed tendering due to lack of criteria and rising costs affecting service provision, especially in rural areas. The MP asks for a meeting to discuss support.

Question

Local authorities delayed tendering due to lack of Government criteria for funding use. Market information suggests increased costs impacting services. Will the Secretary meet to discuss Government support?

Answer from Lilian Greenwood

Officials are in contact with operators to understand impacts of increased fuel costs due to the middle east crisis. My hon. Friend will consider this issue further and is happy to hear from her.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a direct commitment or plan for meeting, only indicated willingness to hear concerns

How: My Officials Are In Contact

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Q5 Rachael Maskell Labour (Co-op) York Central
Transport
Context

The MP is ambitious to see modal shifts but faces affordability issues. The mayor has a generous transport budget, but only 6% can be spent on revenue.

Question

York aims for modal shifts out of cars and onto buses but faces an affordability problem with the current allocation in the Mayor's transport budget. Will the Minister consider transferring capital funding into revenue?

Answer from Lilian Greenwood

We work closely with all local mayors, including the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire. My hon. Friend had a meeting with him yesterday, and we would be happy to work on how we can better support bus services in that area.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide details or commitments regarding transferring capital funding into revenue

How: We Would Be Happy

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