Councils have power in the matter
09:31, 21 Jul 2025Updated 10:06, 21 Jul 2025
(Image: No credit)
The UK Government has confirmed that local councils in England “do have the power” to lower the age threshold for the older persons’ bus pass. This information became apparent in a written response from Liberal Democrat MP Dr Al Pinkerton.
The Surrey Heath MP asked whether an evaluation had been conducted on the “potential merits of extending free bus pass eligibility to people aged over 60”.
As concessionary travel is a devolved matter, the age at which one qualifies for free bus travel differs between Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, people aged 60 and above are entitled to this benefit, whereas in England, it’s typically linked to the State Pension age.
Transport Minister Simon Lightwood, in his written reply, stated 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 further explained: “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.”, reports Chronicle Live.
He also remarked: “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 also noted that the UK Government has set aside £955 million for the 2025/26 financial year to boost and improve bus services throughout England, with the exception of London.
This investment includes £243m for bus operators and a significant £712m for local authorities across the country.
He added: “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 received backing from over 101,200 supporters, calling for changes to the ENCTS and a reduction in the eligibility age to 60.
Petition creator Karen Hickman believes the current system is “unjust” and is campaigning for “equality for everyone over 60”. She pointed out that residents in England, outside of London, cannot access free bus travel until they reach the State Pension age of 66 for both men and women, which she argues has “changed dramatically.”
The campaign named ‘extend free bus travel for people over 60 in England’ states: “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.”
While the petition can no longer gather new signatures, it’s still available for viewing 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.