Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he plans to extend free bus travel to people in receipt of (a) employment and support allowance, (b) universal credit and (c) jobseeker's allowance.

Concessionary travel legislation gives local authorities the flexibility to offer discretionary local travel concessions, such as free travel to jobseekers.

The Jobcentre Plus offers a range of transport support for people seeking employment, including access to a Flexible Support Fund and a discount Travel Card.

It is also encouraging to see operator-led initiatives, such as Stagecoach’s ‘Back on Board’ scheme, which offers jobseekers half price single and return tickets.