Latest news with #EnglishNationalConcessionaryTravelScheme
Scottish Sun
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Everyone who is eligible for free bus pass in England as Labour confirms major rule change – and those who will miss out
A petition calling for free bus passes for over-60s in England has now surpassed 101,000 signatures FARE DEAL Everyone who is eligible for free bus pass in England as Labour confirms major rule change – and those who will miss out Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DEMANDS for fairer travel passes for England's over-60s have been growing stronger. And as Labour confirms a major rule change - who will miss out? Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Demands for fairer travel passes for England's over-60s have been growing stronger. Credit: Getty Those eligible for a free bus pass in England Currently, people in England that live outside London, only qualify for free off-peak bus travel once they reach state pension age which is currently 66. But in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, residents enjoy this benefit from the age of 60. In response to a parliamentary question from Liberal Democrat MP Dr Al Pinkerton, Transport Minister Simon Lightwood confirmed that English councils can choose to offer additional local concessions, Such as earlier eligibility for free bus passes — but must fund them themselves reports The Star. Lightwood said: 'The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) costs around £700 million annually. 'Any changes to the statutory obligations… would therefore need to be carefully considered for its impact on the scheme's financial sustainability.' Petition surpasses 101,000 signatures The revelation that councils already have this power has given fresh energy to campaigners. A petition calling for the ENCTS to be expanded nationally to include all over-60s in England — not just those in London — has now surpassed 101,000 signatures. The petition argues the current rules are outdated and unfair. It says: 'As people get older, some over 60s drive less and less. The Selfish Travel Trend Annoying Public Transport Users Everywhere 'We believe we need equality on public transport. "It would mean England had the same provision as Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.' What does this mean for you? If you're 60 or over and live in a London borough, you can get free travel on the bus, Tube, tram, DLR, London Overground and most National Rail services in London with an Oyster photocard. But if you're aged between 60 and 66 in England and don't live in London the answer as to when you'll be eligible for free bus travel, could depend on where you live. While there's no national plan yet to lower the threshold, your local council can introduce an over-60s scheme. It all comes down to public pressure and local campaigning. With confirmed government backing for local flexibility, some councils could act — if residents persist on having their voices heard.
The Irish Sun
24-07-2025
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Everyone who is eligible for free bus pass in England as Labour confirms major rule change – and those who will miss out
DEMANDS for fairer travel passes for England's over-60s have been growing stronger. And as Labour confirms a major rule change - who will miss out? 1 Demands for fairer travel passes for England's over-60s have been growing stronger. Credit: Getty Those eligible for a free bus pass in England Currently, people in England that live outside London, only qualify for free off-peak bus travel once they reach state pension age which is currently 66. But in Scotland, Ireland , residents enjoy this benefit from the age of 60. In response to a parliamentary question from Liberal Democrat MP Dr Al Pinkerton, Transport Minister Simon Lightwood confirmed that English councils can choose to offer additional local concessions, Such as earlier eligibility for free bus passes — but must fund them themselves reports News Lightwood said: 'The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) costs around £700 million annually. 'Any changes to the statutory obligations… would therefore need to be carefully considered for its impact on the scheme's financial sustainability.' Petition surpasses 101,000 signatures The revelation that councils already have this power has given fresh energy to campaigners. A petition calling for the ENCTS to be expanded nationally to include all over-60s in England — not just those in London — has now surpassed 101,000 signatures. Most read in The Sun The petition argues the current rules are outdated and unfair. It says: 'As people get older, some over 60s drive less and less. The Selfish Travel Trend Annoying Public Transport Users Everywhere 'We believe we need equality on public transport. "It would mean England had the same provision as Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland.' What does this mean for you? If you're 60 or over and live in a London borough, you can get free travel on the bus, Tube, tram, DLR, London Overground and most National Rail services in London with an Oyster photocard. But if you're aged between 60 and 66 in England and don't live in London the answer as to when you'll be eligible for free bus travel, could depend on where you live. While there's no national plan yet to lower the threshold, your local council can introduce an over-60s scheme. It all comes down to With confirmed government backing for local flexibility, some councils could act — if residents persist on having their voices heard.
Scotsman
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Scotsman
Free bus pass: update on UK senior and OAP bus passes age
A national push is growing to bring England in line with the rest of the UK on over-60s travel 🚌 Sign up to the weekly Cost Of Living newsletter. Saving tips, deals and money hacks. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Local councils in England can offer free bus passes to over-60s if they fund it themselves Labour government confirms councils hold the power to lower the age threshold Currently, free bus travel in England starts at state pension age (66), unlike devolved nations A petition calling for national parity with Scotland and Wales has gained over 101,000 signatures Campaigners argue the current system is unfair and outdated for older people outside London Calls for fairer travel perks for England's over-60s are growing louder, as the Labour government confirmed local councils already have the power to lower the age threshold for free bus passes — if they can afford to. Currently, people in England qualify for free off-peak bus travel only once they reach state pension age — currently 66. But in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, residents enjoy this benefit from the age of 60. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In response to a parliamentary question from Liberal Democrat MP Dr Al Pinkerton, Transport Minister Simon Lightwood confirmed that English councils can choose to offer additional local concessions, such as earlier eligibility for free bus passes — but must fund them themselves. (Photo:) | Getty Images 'The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) costs around £700 million annually,' Lightwood said. 'Any changes to the statutory obligations… would therefore need to be carefully considered for its impact on the scheme's financial sustainability.' But the revelation that councils already have this power has given fresh energy to campaigners. A petition calling for the ENCTS to be expanded nationally to include all over-60s in England — not just those in London — has now surpassed 101,000 signatures. The petition argues the current rules are outdated and unfair. It says: 'As people get older, some over 60s drive less and less. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We believe we need equality on public transport. It would mean England had the same provision as Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.' What does this mean for you? If you're aged between 60 and 66 in England and wondering when you'll be eligible for free bus travel, the answer may depend on where you live. While there's no national plan yet to lower the threshold, your local council can introduce an over-60s scheme — if there's the political will and the budget to do so. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Whether that happens may now come down to public pressure and local campaigning. With confirmed government backing for local flexibility, some councils could act — especially if residents make their voices heard. Are you struggling to make ends meet as costs continue to rise? You can now send your stories to us online via YourWorld at It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.
Scotsman
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Scotsman
Free bus pass: update on UK senior and OAP bus passes age
A national push is growing to bring England in line with the rest of the UK on over-60s travel 🚌 Sign up to the weekly Cost Of Living newsletter. Saving tips, deals and money hacks. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Local councils in England can offer free bus passes to over-60s if they fund it themselves Labour government confirms councils hold the power to lower the age threshold Currently, free bus travel in England starts at state pension age (66), unlike devolved nations A petition calling for national parity with Scotland and Wales has gained over 101,000 signatures Campaigners argue the current system is unfair and outdated for older people outside London Calls for fairer travel perks for England's over-60s are growing louder, as the Labour government confirmed local councils already have the power to lower the age threshold for free bus passes — if they can afford to. Currently, people in England qualify for free off-peak bus travel only once they reach state pension age — currently 66. But in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, residents enjoy this benefit from the age of 60. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In response to a parliamentary question from Liberal Democrat MP Dr Al Pinkerton, Transport Minister Simon Lightwood confirmed that English councils can choose to offer additional local concessions, such as earlier eligibility for free bus passes — but must fund them themselves. (Photo:) | Getty Images 'The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) costs around £700 million annually,' Lightwood said. 'Any changes to the statutory obligations… would therefore need to be carefully considered for its impact on the scheme's financial sustainability.' But the revelation that councils already have this power has given fresh energy to campaigners. A petition calling for the ENCTS to be expanded nationally to include all over-60s in England — not just those in London — has now surpassed 101,000 signatures. The petition argues the current rules are outdated and unfair. It says: 'As people get older, some over 60s drive less and less. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We believe we need equality on public transport. It would mean England had the same provision as Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.' What does this mean for you? If you're aged between 60 and 66 in England and wondering when you'll be eligible for free bus travel, the answer may depend on where you live. While there's no national plan yet to lower the threshold, your local council can introduce an over-60s scheme — if there's the political will and the budget to do so. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Whether that happens may now come down to public pressure and local campaigning. With confirmed government backing for local flexibility, some councils could act — especially if residents make their voices heard.
Daily Record
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
New UK Government update on free bus travel scheme for people over 60
The national entitlement scheme operates UK-wide but there are different eligibility rules under devolved governments. The UK Government has confirmed that local authorities in England 'do have the power' to lower the age of eligibility for the older persons' bus pass in a written response from Liberal Democrat MP Dr Al Pinkerton. The MP for Surrey Heath asked if any assessment has been made of the 'potential merits of extending free bus pass eligibility to people aged over 60'. Concessionary travel is a devolved policy area, which means the eligibility age for the free bus travel scheme differs between Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, the free travel boost is provided for those aged 60 and over, but south of the border it is typically issued to those of State Pension age. However, in the written response, Transport Minister Simon Lightwood, explained that 'local authorities in England have the power to offer concessions in addition to their statutory obligations, such as lowering the age of eligibility'. Mr Lightwood said: 'The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age, currently sixty-six. 'The ENCTS costs around £700 million annually and any changes to the statutory obligations, such as lowering the age of eligibility, would therefore need to be carefully considered for its impact on the scheme's financial sustainability. 'However, local authorities in England have the power to offer concessions in addition to their statutory obligations, such as lowering the age of eligibility. Additional local concessions are provided and funded by local authorities from local resources.' He also said that the UK Government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025/26 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. This includes £243m for bus operators and £712m allocated to local authorities across the country. He added: 'Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services for passengers can be used in whichever way they wish. This could include extending the discretionary concessions available.' Online petition More than 101,200 people signed an online petition supporting calls for changes to be made to the ENCTS and bring it into line with the same service provided by the Scottish Government. Petition creator Karen Hickman argues the current scheme is 'unjust' and calls for 'equality for everyone over 60'. The campaigner explained people in England, living outside London, are not entitled to free bus travel until they reach State Pension age - 66 for both men and women - which she believes has 'changed dramatically.' The 'extend free bus travel for people over 60 in England' petition states: 'We call on the Government to extend free bus travel to all people over 60 years old in England outside London. We believe the current situation is unjust and we want equality for everyone over 60. 'Currently, people in England who do not live in London are not entitled to free bus travel until they reach the state pension age, which we believe has changed dramatically. As people get older some over 60s drive less and less, therefore we believe we need equality on public transport. 'It would mean England had the same provision as Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.' It has been waiting 21 days for a decision by the Petitions Parliament committee on whether t will be put forward for debate in Parliament. National Entitlement Card in Scotland In Scotland, people over 60 are eligible to apply for the National Entitlement Card (NEC), which is administered by the Scottish Government. It is Scotland's National Smartcard, offering access to many public services across the country. The card gives elderly and disabled people free bus travel across Scotland and, through the Strathclyde Concessionary Travel Scheme, also provides reductions on train, Subway and ferry fares. The NEC is valid for up to three years, but in a change to the renewal process, SPT no longer sends out renewal forms to disabled card holders. This means everyone with a card - sometimes referred to as a 'Saltire card' - should check the expiry date to make sure they will be able to enjoy uninterrupted entitlement to travel concessions. SPT recommends applying for a renewal card at least five weeks before the expiry date. It's also important to be aware guidance on the SPT website states the Concessionary Travel Card Unit at Buchanan Bus Station will be closed for in person applications until further notice.
