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

How can we make neighbourhood health work?

By Lee Peart | 10 July 2026

Healthcare leaders discussed local and national levers needed to scale and sustain healthy neighbourhoods at the LGA Conference and Exhibition in Bournemouth...

KING'S SPEECH

Making the right choice for the next generation

By Emmet Regan | 09 July 2026

Emmet Regan looks at the factors to consider when choosing the best model for the delivery of children’s services during local government reorganisation.

KING'S SPEECH

Reorganisation without resignations

By Gary Evans | 09 July 2026

Gary Evans outlines the importance – and challenges of – retaining talent through local government reorganisation.

KING'S SPEECH

Why we're losing great foster carers - and what the government should do about it

By Tim Barclay | 08 July 2026

As directors of children's services gather in Manchester this week for the ADCS annual conference, foster carer retention should be at the top of the agenda,...

Popular articles by Chris Ames