Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to help disabled people in a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and b) Staffordshire with the cost of transport.

The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel in England to those of state pension age and those with eligible disabilities between 0930 and 2300 on weekdays and all day at weekends and on Bank Holidays.

Disabled bus pass holders will be able to travel free of charge at any time of day across England from 1 April 2027. Removing the current weekday time restrictions will provide a more consistent national entitlement and improve access to jobs, education and other opportunities for disabled passengers.

The Government is investing in bus services long-term and has confirmed over £3 billion from 2026/27 to support local leaders and bus operators to improve bus services. This includes multi-year allocations for local authorities under the Local Authority Bus Grant totalling nearly £700 million per year. Staffordshire County Council will be allocated £33.7 million from 2026/27 to 2028/29, which it can use to improve local bus services for passengers.