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

Cultural uses: From estate to asset

By Dan Buck | 02 July 2026

Dan Buck looks at how culture can unlock new income for public bodies.

KING'S SPEECH

Why LGR depends on the right leadership

By Julie Osborne | 02 July 2026

Julie Osborne says the sector’s future will not be secured simply by redrawing boundaries, but rather by having leadership systems strong enough to navigate ...

KING'S SPEECH

Why reorganisation threatens Harlow's regeneration vision

By Ann McGauran | 01 July 2026

Harlow Council’s leader Dan Swords talks to Ann McGauran about why local government reorganisation would ‘blow up’ the new town’s regeneration programme.

KING'S SPEECH

A revolution in devolution?

By Vicky Davis | 01 July 2026

The Government is making good progress in delivering on its devolution ambition, but there are challenges ahead, says Vicky Davis.

Popular articles by Chris Ames