Overview

The Bus Services Bill aims to improve bus services in England by giving more power to local authorities to regulate and improve services. It introduces new franchising schemes and limits the ability of certain authorities to create their own bus companies.

Description

The Bill makes several key changes to bus service regulation in England. Amendments significantly impact how bus franchising schemes are implemented and overseen.

Franchising

The Bill grants the Secretary of State greater control over the approval of bus franchising schemes. Consent is required except for schemes within a mayoral combined authority's area or across multiple such areas. The Secretary of State must also publish notices of consent and provide guidance on matters such as auditor selection. Independent audits of proposed franchising schemes are mandated, with guidelines for both auditor selection and assessment criteria.

Local Authority Powers

The Bill restricts the power of local authorities (including county and district councils, combined authorities, and Passenger Transport Executives) to form their own bus companies to provide local services.

Other Amendments

Numerous amendments clarify or remove sections relating to various aspects of bus services, including reporting requirements and definitions related to stopping places.

Government Spending

The bill's financial implications are not explicitly stated in the provided text. The impact on government spending will likely depend on the implementation and scale of new franchising schemes and related administrative costs, potentially leading to increased or decreased expenditure, depending on the approach taken.

Groups Affected

• Local Authorities: Will have both increased responsibilities and limitations depending on whether they are involved in franchising schemes and their geographical jurisdiction, impacting their budgets and abilities to provide bus services.
• Bus Companies: Face changes in the regulatory environment, particularly regarding franchising and potential competition from schemes initiated by local authorities.
• Passengers: Could experience improvements or disruptions to bus services depending on the effectiveness of the new regulations and their implementation by local authorities.
• Auditors: Will be involved in assessing proposed franchising schemes, subject to new guidelines.
• Secretary of State: Gains significant authority in overseeing the approval and implementation of bus franchising schemes.

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