Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of funding to Derbyshire County Council for bus routes in rural areas.

Government funding for bus services in Derbyshire has been allocated to the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA). The government allocated £40.6 million to EMCCA in 25/26 to support and improve bus services. This is an increase on funding allocated to EMCCA’s constituent authorities in 24/25, including Derbyshire County Council, which totalled £39.5 million. This funding can be used whichever way the local transport authority wishes to deliver better bus services for passengers, including supporting bus routes in rural areas.