Prime Minister Andy Burnham unveiled a big decision that will affect many ordinary Brits this morning, Wednesday, July 22
Andy Burnham has been warned about 47 million Brits he needs to ensure are not missed out as he tries to pivot the government to focus on the north. It comes as the new PM said he will implement a cap on single bus tickets at £2 in England.
Debbie Porter, Managing Director at Bakewell-based Destination Digital Marketing, praised Burnham’s decision – but also warned him that a PM promoting ‘Manchesterism’ as a philosophy needed to recognise this would exclude numerous other areas, reports the Express.
She said: “A £2 fare cap is a great idea. Mobilises the population to help them get around, and plays into achieving a net zero target at the same time. In rural communities, we now just need some actual bus routes to avail ourselves of this offer.”
“We have a new ‘No 10 in the North’, but a perspective on the UK population taken from Manchester is still city-centric. So we now need politicians to understand how the rural economy holds itself together in market towns and villages. There are 47 million people living outside of metropolitan and city areas. Paying some political and policy attention to this part of the economy is the next step now that Andy Burnham has made the move to shine a light on the North.”
Millions of passengers are set to save a third on bus travel. In an effort to alleviate the cost of living and deliver much-needed financial support to people, commuters will enjoy reduced fares from 1 January 2027 for the rest of the year – with maximum fares slashed by a third.
The previous £2 fare cap resulted in an estimated 30 million additional bus journeys being made in 10 months, according to government figures.
The new £2 cap will apply to most local bus routes across England. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland’s local governments will decide whether to set up similar policies with extra funding from Westminster.
Supported by £400 million in additional funding, the cap on fares is intended to help millions of people throughout the country gain easier access to affordable bus travel, removing obstacles for those grappling with the cost of living crisis, while creating opportunities and strengthening local economies, it stated.
Chancellor John Healey today said he is “right behind” Andy Burnham’s drive to ease the cost of living. Speaking to reporters Mr Burnham said: “I asked the entire Cabinet at our first meeting yesterday to prioritise cost of living measures above all else.
“People are struggling, life is too hard. This Government will make life more affordable.
“Now, I know a £2 cap on bus fares doesn’t solve everything but it shows the direction in which we are going and the Chancellor is right behind that with me.”
Amongst financial experts, however, views appear divided regarding the changes to bus fares.
Michelle Lawson, Director at Fareham-based Lawson Financial, suggested the money would be better spent enhancing Britain’s road infrastructure. She added: “Of all the problems this country has right now, capping bus fares shouldn’t be a priority. Public transport is dire, dirty and unreliable.”
Riz Malik, Independent Financial Adviser at Southend-on-Sea-based R3 Wealth, said it shouldn’t rank amongst Burnham’s primary priorities. He added: “If it gets the labour force more mobile I’m all for it. However, on the list of things this country needs urgently, I don’t think it makes the top 40.”
Graham Nicoll, Financial Planner, Chartered FCSI at NCL Wealth Partners, suggested however that the cap could help stimulate growth throughout the UK economy.
Nevertheless, Rob Mansfield, Independent Financial Advisor at Tonbridge-based Rootes Wealth Management, questioned whether the measure would deliver any meaningful economic advantage.
The Prime Minister said: “Good, affordable transport links are an essential. No one should be priced out of those and left behind. But for too long people have said that cheaper transport isn’t an option. I don’t accept that. I’ve done it before and I will do it again now: a £2 cap on bus fares for millions across the country.
“Lower fares will help people get to where they need to – giving them breathing space to help with the cost of living. As I said on my first day in office – I will build a country for everyone, everywhere. That means more connected communities, better access to opportunities, and a lighter load on people’s lives.”
