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

Splitting successfully

By Kate Ryan | 13 May 2026

Kate Ryan explains why district disaggregation is LGR’s next challenge, and why sector-wide learning must be speeded up.

KING'S SPEECH

Scale of no overall control delivers uncertainty

By Neil Merrick | 12 May 2026

Local authorities are facing weeks of uncertainty after elections left a record number of councils without any party in overall control.

KING'S SPEECH

Losing control again

By Jonathan Werran | 12 May 2026

After an election that fragmented political allegiance, consideration must be paid to the grey rosettes of no overall control, writes Jonathan Werran.

KING'S SPEECH

Turning more complex council politics into effective local governance

By Owen Mapley | 12 May 2026

Officer-member relationships matter more than ever in local government’s new reality, and the principle of mutual respect must be restated, says Owen Mapley.

Popular articles by Chris Ames