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

Nobody ever voted for a map

By Ben Page | 17 August 2026

Rewiring the State offers the most significant shift in local government for a generation, but there is still a lot that has been left unwritten, says Ben Page.

KING'S SPEECH

As London's rough sleepers drop by 10% – can Burnham make that figure national?

By By Dan Peters | 13 August 2026

In his first speech after taking office, standing on the steps of Downing Street, Prime Minister Andy Burnham pledged to end rough sleeping.

KING'S SPEECH

Tourism costs

By Ann McGauran | 12 August 2026

Bath is a tourism destination delivering an ambitious programme of commercial regeneration. But it is calling for more support from government above and beyo...

KING'S SPEECH

Untangling the wires to progress

By Martin Ford | 12 August 2026

The Government has finally unveiled it proposals to ‘rewire the state’ and devolve powers to regional and local levels. Martin Ford delves into the document.

Popular articles by Chris Ames