Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will publish a list of areas in North Shropshire which are underserved by bus services.

The government recognises the importance of accessible, frequent and affordable bus services in keeping communities connected, although has not assessed the adequacy of bus services in specific communities in North Shropshire and does not have plans to publish a list of areas which are underserved by bus services in North Shropshire.

The government introduced the Bus Services (No.2) Bill on 17 December as part of its ambitious plan for bus reform. The Bill puts the power over local bus services back in the hands of local leaders and is intended to ensure bus services reflect the needs of the communities that rely on them, including in North Shropshire.

In addition, 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 to local authorities across the country, of which Shropshire County Council has been allocated £4.4 million. Local authorities can use this funding to introduce new bus routes, make services more frequent and protect crucial bus routes for local communities.

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to bus services in this Spending Review by confirming continued funding each year from 2026/27 to maintain and improve vital bus services, including taking forward bus franchising pilots in areas including York and North Yorkshire, and extending the £3 bus fare cap until March 2027.