Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans her Department has to allow holders of disability-related concessionary bus passes to use their passes at all times on weekdays.

The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age. The ENCTS costs around £700 million annually and any changes to the statutory obligations, such as extending the travel time criteria, would therefore need to be carefully considered for its impact on the scheme’s financial sustainability.

However, local authorities in England do have the power to offer concessions in addition to their statutory obligations, for example, by extending the times travel passes can be used. These are additional local concessions provided and funded by local authorities from local resources. The government has also conducted a review of the ENCTS, which included considering travel times for disabled passholders, and is currently considering next steps.

The government has confirmed over £1 billion for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London and keep fares affordable. This includes £243 million for bus operators and £712 million allocated to local authorities across the country. Gloucestershire County Council has been allocated £8 million of this funding. Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services for passengers can be used in whichever way they wish.