Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department plans to take to extend bus franchising to local authorities.
The Transport Act 2000 provides access to franchising powers for all Mayoral Combined Authorities in England.
Non-mayoral combined authorities can also request access to franchising powers. They will need to satisfy the Secretary of State that they have the capability and resources to do so, and that it will better deliver service improvements for passengers.