Sir Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will publish the findings of the Review of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme in August 2024; and whether she plans to introduce a statutory requirement on local authorities to include Companion Bus Passes as part of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme.  [48343]

[Due for Answer on 1 May]

ANSWER

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Local Transport (Simon Lightwood): The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age. The ENCTS costs around £700 million annually and any changes to the statutory obligations, such as including companion passes, would therefore need to be carefully considered for its impact on the scheme’s financial sustainability.

The Department for Transport conducted a review of the ENCTS and is currently considering next steps. The review did not consider adding companion passes to the statutory criteria for the scheme.

Currently, local authorities in England have the power to go beyond their statutory obligations under the ENCTS and offer additional discretionary concessions, such as extending the travel time criteria for the ENCTS.

The government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. This includes £243 million for bus operators and £712 million allocated to local authorities across the country. Hampshire County Council has been allocated £14 million of this funding. 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 in the local area to include companion passes.