Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department has taken to support local authorities with bus franchising.

We passed the Bus Services Act last year, to give local leaders greater control over their bus services. Local authorities can choose the model that works best for their area, including franchising.

We are backing that choice with funding, expert advice and practical support. Although decisions on transport are devolved, I’d encourage the Scottish Government to follow in our footsteps to deliver better outcomes for passengers.