Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions she has had with (1) Milton Keynes City Council and (2) Buckinghamshire Council on improving local bus networks.

The Government is committed to helping local leaders improve local bus services and improve reliability across England, including in Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire.

We are taking action to give local leaders the powers they need to deliver better bus services for passengers, including through the Bus Services Act 2025 which devolved powers to local authorities who know their local areas the best.

The Government has confirmed over £3 billion from 2026/27 for long-term investment in bus services. This includes nearly £700 million per year through multi-year Local Authority Bus Grant allocations, giving councils certainty to plan ahead and improve services for local communities. Buckinghamshire County Council will receive £15.6 million under the LABG from 2026/27 to 2028/29, whilst Milton Keynes City Council will receive £11.2 million over the same period.

Buckinghamshire County Council and Milton Keynes City Council are receiving additional government funding through the Franchising Support Fund. This funding will be used by Buckinghamshire to undertake bus franchising feasibility studies, and support Milton Keynes City Council to prepare a bus franchising assessment.