The UK Government has confirmed that local councils in England do have the authority to lower the age threshold for the older persons’ bus pass. This revelation came to light in a written response from Liberal Democrat MP Dr Al Pinkerton.
Dr Pinkerton, the Surrey Heath MP, queried whether an assessment had been carried out 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 varies between Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland . In Scotland, individuals aged 60 and above are entitled to this benefit, while in England, it’s typically tied to the State Pension age.
Transport Minister Simon Lightwood, in his written reply, affirmed 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 clarified: “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 Bristol Live.
How much do free bus passes cost the taxpayer?
He also noted: “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.”
The UK Government has earmarked a whopping £955 million for the 2025/26 financial year to enhance bus services across England, excluding London.
This hefty investment comprises £243m for bus operators and a substantial £712m for local authorities nationwide.
Is there support for free bus passes?
“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.”
An online petition demanding changes to the ENCTS and a reduction in the eligibility age to 60 has garnered support from over 101,200 backers.
Karen Hickman, the creator of the petition, deems the current system as “unjust” and is advocating for “equality for everyone over 60”. She highlighted that residents in England, outside of London, cannot avail 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.
Bus pass post code lottery
“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.”
Whilst the petition can no longer gather fresh signatures, it remains accessible for viewing online.
It has been awaiting a decision from the Petitions Committee of Parliament for 21 days, concerning whether it will be considered for debate in Parliament.