Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department plans to increase the frequency of bus services in Ashfield and Mansfield constituency.

Improving local bus services is a key part of this government’s growth mission. The government will introduce a Buses Bill later this Parliamentary session. This will put the power over local bus services back in the hands of local leaders right across England, including in Ashfield and Mansfield, to choose the model that works best in their area, whether that be franchising, high-quality partnerships with private operators or local authority ownership.

Under franchising, the local authority has control of the bus network including setting routes, timetables and fares.

In addition, the government has confirmed £925 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. Local authorities can use the £925 million to introduce new bus routes, make services more frequent and protect crucial bus routes for local communities.

The government will continue working closely with local transport authorities including Nottinghamshire County Council, and others, to deliver better bus services throughout England.