Young people could soon travel on buses for free
This proposal aims to improve young people's access to work and skills opportunities and encourage long-term public transport use.
The committee highlighted England 's inconsistent local youth concessions, contrasting them with national free travel schemes in Scotland and discounted fares in Wales.
The report identified public transport as a significant barrier to employment for young people, particularly in areas with limited services.
The committee also urged the government to reform local bus service funding and establish a national ambition for minimum public transport connectivity.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
18 minutes ago
- The Independent
A ferry link between Scotland and France could be one step closer
A ferry linking Scotland to Europe could be one step closer to reality after a key border obstacle may be resolved. Ferry operator DFDS is planning on launching a service between the town of Rosyth in Fife, Scotland, and Dunkirk in France, as early as spring 2026, allowing for both passengers and freight to be transported between the countries. The route is nicknamed 'Project Brave', and was first proposed in 2022. If instated, the journey could take up to 20 hours, making it among the longest in Europe. One of the main barriers to the project was the need for certain goods to be processed at a border control post. Building a new facility at Rosyth was deemed expensive and unnecessary. DFDS proposed using the existing border control post at Grangemouth, in Scotland, instead, however local politicians say a new UK-EU deal could mean that checks at the posts would no longer be needed. In May, prime minister Keir Starmer confirmed a new agreement with the European Union, which means food and drink can be more easily imported and exported 'by reducing the red tape'. Goods are expected to flow more freely as some routine checks on animal and plant products will be removed. Negotiations are ongoing with the EU to determine specific requirements. Scottish MP Graeme Downie said this week that the new deal could bypass the need for border control posts, according to the Dunfermline Press, but temporary use of Grangemouth will be required for the ferry to launch by spring 2026. 'A regular passenger and freight ferry service from Rosyth to Dunkirk would be an incredible boon for the Dunfermline and Scottish economy, making trade easier as well as making it simpler for people from Europe to visit the kingdom of Fife," he said. 'These matters can be complex but we have taken a huge stride towards making this ferry service a reality.' Secretary of state for Scotland, Ian Murray, has written to Steve Reed, secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs, detailing how the ferry service could launch without the new border control point, the local paper reported. He asked that for an 'urgent' amendment to the current model, and thanked Mr Murray for his support in finding a temporary workaround. '[The] efforts make it more likely a passenger and freight ferry to Dunkirk could begin as soon as next year,' he said.
BBC News
18 minutes ago
- BBC News
Agreement reached over Morecambe takeover
Morecambe's owners and prospective buyers Panjab Warriors have reached an agreement in principle to transfer the majority shareholding in the announcement comes after the two parties agreed to a mediation session this week after an initial session failed to take place the week Warriors previously had their takeover approved by the EFL in June following the club's relegation from League Two, but a chaotic summer has since followed, with the Shrimps being suspended from the National League in the midst of an ongoing impasse."This agreement reflects the willingness of both sides to compromise in the best interests of Morecambe FC, its supporters, and the wider community. It paves the way for continued stability and a positive future both on and off the pitch," the two parties said in a joint statement., external"Final legal documentation will now be prepared, with immediate steps being taken to inform key stakeholders, including the National League and the club's management team."Both Panjab Warriors and Bond Group would like to thank all parties involved for their patience and support during this process, and we look forward to a new chapter in the club's history." Panjab Warriors, who have been trying to take over the beleaguered club for over a year, were joined in a separate bid by businessman Jonny Cato in trying to mount a closed operations in late July shortly after their suspension from the National League, with a takeover still to take culture secretary Lisa Nandy called on owner Jason Whittingham to sell the club, with the Shrimps' plight coinciding with the Football Governance Bill passing into is unclear from Thursday's statement when Panjab Warriors' takeover will be finalised, however."We would like to thank all of the staff at the club for their forbearance and can only apologise for the stress this has caused," added the Bond Group."In particular I would like to thank Rob, Derek, Oliver and Martin for their continued professional conduct and support throughout this process and also their support for the staff and the community."I would hope that the Shrimps fans can now give their full support to the club and its journey ahead."
The Sun
19 minutes ago
- The Sun
Popular zoo with UK's largest herd of elephants offering kids tickets for £10 – great for families in school holidays
A POPULAR zoo which is home to the UK's largest herd of elephants is offering kids tickets for just £10 this summer. Howletts Wild Animal Park, in Kent, is packed with wildlife wonders, from mighty gorillas and gentle elephants to prowling big cats. 2 Howletts is a wildlife sanctuary and home to over 390 animals across 44 species, including Sumatran tigers and Kent's only giant anteaters. Explore a 90-acre adventure in ancient parkland that is ideal for great days out in Kent with the entire family. Make your day out even more special with a close encounter with your favourite animal, or a guided walk with expert Rangers. For the school summer holidays, kids can bag entry for just a tenner, giving families the chance to get up close to incredible animals without busting the budget. Key highlights There are plenty of immersive experiences — including a walk-through enclosure where visitors can mingle with free-roaming lemurs just inches away. Animal fans can also step back in time in the Ice Age zone, packed with life-sized sculptures of prehistoric beasts. The elephants steal the show — and you might be lucky enough to tuck into lunch at a picnic table right next to their enclosure. The monkeys are another heart-melter, with a few adorable babies clinging to their mums. The Pavilion Restaurant offers a variety of meals and refreshments, with ample seating both indoors and outdoors. There's also a huge outdoor play area where little ones can burn off some energy, plus plenty of grassy spots perfect for a run-around between animal encounters. The Best Value Attraction In The UK Is Flamingo Land Customer reviews Visitors rave about the park, praising its spacious enclosures, knowledgeable staff and the chance to see rare animals up close. Many call it a 'must-visit' for families, with kids loving the hands-on learning and parents impressed by the zoo's strong conservation message. Taking to TripAdvisor, one wrote: "As a family we always try and find somewhere new to visit! We come across here so we thought why not! And we was NOT disappointed." "Best zoo we have been too that's not just because of the beautiful place it is but because of the people that make it so beautiful! Tips for keeping organised during the summer holidays IF you aren't sure how to keep organised during the summer holidays, then you've come to the right place. Senior Fabulous Writer, Sarah Bull, has shared her top tips... FOOD: One thing I find difficult is keeping on top of my kids' constant requests for snacks. Despite the fact they have one break time at school and then lunch, their demands for food during school holidays seem to be 24/7. To make things easier, I've decided to bring in snack baskets for them. They each have a certain amount of food (the same so that there's no arguments) and once it's gone, it's gone. Not only does it make my life easier, it teaches them that they have to spread things out - and to maybe see if the 'hunger signals' are actually ones of hunger or thirst. ACTIVITIES: It can be hard to keep your kids entertained - and six weeks can feel like an awfully long time. One thing to take advantage of is having an outside space. If you have a garden, you can put bikes or scooters in there, or even a trampoline. It keeps them entertained and also makes sure they're doing some kind of physical activity every day. If you don't have the space for a climbing frame or added activities, why not give the kids a bucket of chalk and get them to draw on the paving slabs? Or another one I did was to give the kids a 'magic solution' I needed painted on the wall (it was just water and washing up liquid) to protect it. They spent a good hour doing that! CLOTHES: One thing I've used from when my daughter, now six, started school is to use clothing drawers for her and my son, who's 10. On a Sunday, I put all of their clothes, underwear, socks etc in the corresponding drawer for the week. Usually it's uniform, but I still use the drawers during the holiday too. It just makes things easier, more organised and less stressful - for all of us. "From the start it was just the best experience and a lifetime long memory made!" Another added: "We have NEVER been to a zoo that is so friendly and we as a family love a zoo but this zoo everyone was so lovely. "We went for my daughter's birthday and the Lion feed was so private which was amazing!! "Honestly we can't wait to go back and I would highly recommend the zoo!! I would just go back to see all the staff again!! Thank you for making my daughter's birthday special." A third penned: "Plenty of animals to see! We saw Tigers and a group of lion cubs having a meal. Nice range of animals. It was also lovely to see a Black Rhino. "Each enclosure provides information about how they are recused and if they plan to return back to the wild. Attention to detail is noticeable. "My favourite part was the Jurassic display! Life-sized models of animals/ dinosaurs, the kids love it!" The deal runs from July 23 to September 2, 2025. 2
