Campaigners say it is ‘unfair’ people in England don’t get the pass at 60, but councils ‘do have the power’ to change this
An update has been given to campaigners pushing for all people over the age of 60 in England to be given free bus passes(Image: No credit)
The UK Government has confirmed that councils in England “do have the power” to reduce the age threshold for the older persons’ bus pass. The revelation came in a written reply from Liberal Democrat MP Dr Al Pinkerton. The Surrey Heath representative queried whether an evaluation had been conducted on the “potential merits of extending free bus pass eligibility to people aged over 60”.
Given that concessionary travel falls under devolved jurisdiction, the qualifying age for complimentary bus journeys varies across Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. While Scots aged 60-plus enjoy this benefit, those residing in England typically receive it upon reaching State Pension age, reports the Daily Record.
Nevertheless, Transport Minister Simon Lightwood clarified in his written statement that “local authorities in England have the power to offer concessions in addition to their statutory obligations, such as lowering the age of eligibility”.
Mr Lightwood elaborated: “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.”
He added: “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.”
“However, 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.”
He further mentioned that the UK Government has earmarked £955 million for the 2025/26 financial year to bolster and enhance bus services across England, excluding London.
This funding comprises £243m for bus operators and a substantial £712m for local authorities nationwide.
He elaborated: “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.”
Online petition
An online petition has garnered the support of over 101,200 signatories, backing demands for amendments to the ENCTS and reduce the eligibility age to 60.
Petition initiator Karen Hickman deems the current system “unjust” and is advocating for “equality for everyone over 60”. She highlighted that residents in England, outside of London, are ineligible for free bus travel until they reach the State Pension age of 66 for both genders, which she contends has “changed dramatically.”
The petition titled ‘extend free bus travel for people over 60 in England’ asserts: “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.
“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.”
Although the petition is no longer open for signatures, it remains accessible online.
It has been pending a decision from the Petitions Committee of Parliament for 21 days, regarding whether it will be considered for debate in Parliament.