Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps their Department is taking to implement the guidance entitled The government’s approach to rural proofing 2025, published on 15 May 2025.

The Government recognises that different areas have different characteristics and needs for their local bus network. The Government has committed to delivering better buses, including in rural areas, and reforming bus funding to create a fairer and simpler system that takes into account local needs.

The Government introduced the Bus Services (No. 2) Bill on 17 December as part of its ambitious plan for bus reform. The Bill will put passenger needs, reliable services and local accountability at the heart of the industry by putting the power over local bus services back in the hands of local leaders right across England, including in our rural areas.

We confirmed funding of £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London, including £712 million for local authorities. The Government took the first step towards a fairer allocation system by using a formula to determine allocations for 2025/26 based on need, including population, the distance that buses travel, and the levels of deprivation. Under this formula, Norfolk County Council was allocated £15.9 million. Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services can be used in whichever way they wish to deliver better services for passengers. We are currently reviewing this formula to ensure funding is allocated as fairly as possible in future years.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to investing in bus services long-term in this Spending Review. On 11 June, the government confirmed additional £900m funding per year from 2026/27 to maintain and improve bus services, including taking forward franchising pilots and extending the £3 bus fare cap until March 2027.