Title

KING'S SPEECH

King's Speech: Local leaders can take control of bus services

The King has confirmed the new Government will bring forward legislation to bring bus services more closely under public control.

Bus in Darlington (c) Hazel Plater-Shutterstock.com

Bus in Darlington (c) Hazel Plater-Shutterstock.com

The King has confirmed the new Government will bring forward legislation to bring bus services more closely under public control.

At the state opening of Parliament, King Charles told peers and MPs a Bill would be introduced to allow local leaders to take control of their local bus services. 

A briefing document said a Better Buses Bill will deliver Labour's manifesto commitment to reform the bus system in England by delivering new powers for local leaders to franchise bus services and lift the restriction on the creation of publicly-owned bus operators.

The Government also plans to ‘step in' to safeguard local bus networks by providing more accountability over bus operators, ensuring standards are raised across the country and giving local leaders more control and flexibility over bus funding.

 

KING'S SPEECH

The devo difference

By Simon Kaye | 06 October 2026

Devolution should look different across England’s regions, writes Simon Kaye.

KING'S SPEECH

Survey reveals audit still struggling

By Joe Lepper | 05 October 2026

Joe Lepper reports on Public Sector Audit Appointments’ latest council finance leaders survey.

KING'S SPEECH

Devolution must reach the councils that deliver

By Cllr Jason Perry | 29 September 2026

Devolution must give local authorities the powers, funding and accountability to deliver, says executive mayor of Croydon Jason Perry.

KING'S SPEECH

Local government at a crossroads

By Akash Paun | 25 September 2026

Councils face uncertainty, but reform could create opportunities for transformation and renewal, writes Akash Paun.

Popular articles by Chris Ames

-->