VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Bus Services: Franchises

Asked by Jerome MayhewConservativeDepartment for TransportTabled Answered 22 October 2025UIN 81961

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether franchised bus networks in combined authorities are reliant on (a) emergency and (b) extraordinary Government funding support.

Answered by Simon Lightwood

No. In England outside London, the only franchised bus services in combined authorities operate in Greater Manchester. Since franchised bus services were first introduced in Greater Manchester in September 2023, no emergency or extraordinary funding for franchised bus networks has been announced by the Department for Transport.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim