Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions her Department has had with the Department for Education on including Category D driving licence training for coaches within the Skills Bootcamps programme; and what assessment she made of the potential merits of doing so for addressing shortages in the coach industry.

The Government recognises that the bus and coach sector has had issues recruiting and retaining drivers in recent years, though intelligence from the sector suggests the shortage of bus drivers has reduced.

The Government is giving local areas greater control of the delivery of Skills Bootcamps in line with its commitment to devolution, supporting local areas to choose which Skills Bootcamps they offer based on the needs of their local employers and economy.

As of the 2026-27 financial year, Mayoral Strategic Authorities can use 100% of their grant, and non-MSAs have the flexibility to use up to 50% of their grant, to deliver Skills Bootcamps in additional sectors.

Decisions on the provision of Skills Bootcamps for Category D coach driver training are therefore a matter for local authorities.