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THE GOVERNMENT HAS RESPONDED TO A PETITION DEMANDING OVER 60S IN ENGLAND RECEIVE THE SAME BENEFIT AS REST OF UK 15:22, 05 Jun 2025 A petition has been launched calling for bus passengers in

England to be given the same financial benefits as those in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. At the time of writing, it has already received over 60,000 signatures, with demands for the

over-60s in England to automatically get a free bus pass. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, bus passengers over the age of 60 can ride for free, yet in England no such benefit is

afforded to them. READ MORE: NATIONWIDE ISSUES THREE-WEEK MESSAGE OVER £100 BONUS PAYMENTS Instead, in England, people get a free bus pass once they reach the State Pension age of 66. If it

reaches 100,000 signatures it has to be debated in parliament. Article continues below It says: "We call on the Government to extend free bus travel to all people over 60 years old in

England outside London. We believe the current situation is unjust and we want equality for everyone over 60. "Currently, people in England who do not live in London are not entitled to

free bus travel until they reach the state pension age, which we believe has changed dramatically. "As people get older some over 60s drive less and less, therefore we believe we need

equality on public transport. It would mean England had the same provision as Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland." Labour’s Markus Campbell-Savours asked Transport Secretary Heidi

Alexander: "What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of introducing free bus passes for people aged 60 and over on (a) social inclusion, (b) the economy and (c)

the environment?" Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) Simon Lightwood said: "The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak

bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age, currently sixty-six. "The ENCTS costs around £700 million annually and any changes to the statutory

obligations, would therefore need to be carefully considered for its impact on the scheme’s financial sustainability. "No assessment has been made of the potential impact of lowering

the age on social inclusion, the economy or the environment. "Local authorities in England have the power to offer concessions in addition to their statutory obligations such as

lowering the age of eligibility. Additional local concessions are provided and funded by local authorities from local resources." He added: "The government has confirmed £955

million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. This includes £243 million for bus operators and £712 million allocated to local

authorities across the country. Article continues below "Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services for passengers can be used in whichever way they wish. This could

include extending the discretionary concessions available in local areas to support the local economy and environment."