Another Greater Manchester Labour MP has backed the M.E.N.’s campaign calling on Andy Burnham to implement a free bus pass for children in temporary accommodationSchool children are missing out on vital education – but one thing can help them(Image: PA)

Another Labour MP has backed the Manchester Evening News’ campaign calling on Andy Burnham to implement a free bus pass for children in temporary homeless accommodation.

Families who are made homeless are often placed in temporary accommodation by councils, usually resulting in children moving from walking distance away from school to being miles away from the classroom.

However, council rules across Greater Manchester say children can only get free transport if they move more than two miles from home and there is no ‘suitable school’ nearer.

It’s near-impossible to be further than three miles from a school in the city, giving parents a difficult choice: Fork out for buses they previously didn’t need to pay for, or move their children to a different school, if places are available.

The M.E.N. believes this is a choice no homeless parent should have to make. It’s why we’re calling on Andy Burnham to implement a free bus pass for children placed in temporary homeless accommodation that is more than 30 minutes’ walk from their school.

Now, Christian Wakeford, MP for Bury South, has publicly come out in support of the campaign.

“I’m absolutely behind M.E.N.’s campaign on this issue,” he said. “Having dealt with many families who are placed in emergency accommodation, I know all too well how much of a negative impact such a move can sometimes have, especially on a child’s upbringing, leaving friends, teachers and well-established relationships.

“Facilitating that child to stay in their current place of education through a new bus pass is a small measure that could potentially have a huge impact on those children and families affected.”

Christian Wakeford won re-election in 2024(Image: Manchester Evening News)

Mr Wakeford, first elected in 2019 to represent Bury South as a Conservative joined Labour in early 2022. He is the second Labour MP from Greater Manchester to join the campaign.

Rebecca Long-Bailey, MP for Salford, previously said: “[Rules] are forcing parents to make impossible choices: pay for daily travel they can’t afford, or uproot their child from school, friends, and support networks—often for just a few weeks or months—causing huge disruption to their education and wellbeing.

“These children need stability. They need access to their school, their teachers, their friends. A free bus pass is a small step that would make a big difference.”

Three major not-for-profit organisations have also joined the cause, namely Shared Health, Wood Street Mission, and Resolve Poverty.

“Shared Health is pleased to support this campaign to give children in temporary accommodation free bus passes across Greater Manchester,” said its chief exec, Dr Laura Neilson. “It is a simple change that can make a huge difference, and something we should have implemented a long time ago.”

Previously a spokesperson for the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “Education is the foundation that sets our young people up to fulfil their potential, and it’s vital that we support them in those critical years.

“We are doing a lot to make travel easier and more affordable for everyone in Greater Manchester, including children and young adults. That includes £1 single bus fares, free travel for 16-18-year-olds, an extension of free travel for care leavers and, from next month, half price bus travel for 18-21-year-olds.

“Transport for Greater Manchester is currently undertaking a broader review of concessions, considering all the requests for support that we get from a range of groups across the city-region, and the Mayor has asked them to ensure this is included.”