UK to Offer Free Bus Travel for Children in England

The UK government will roll out a nationwide scheme offering free local bus travel for children aged five to 15 across England throughout August 2024, part of a broader £100 million package aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures on families.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the measure, which will run from Aug. 1 to Aug. 31. Eligible children will be able to take unlimited trips on participating local bus services without registering in advance, officials said.

The government estimates the policy could save a family with two children making a weekly return bus trip about £27 over the month. The plan mirrors a trial in the West of England that recorded around 1.4 million free journeys, according to figures cited with the announcement.

The bus initiative is one of several steps ministers say are intended to put more money back into household budgets during the summer.

Tariff suspensions planned for some food imports

Alongside the bus scheme, the government said it will suspend tariffs on more than 100 types of food products, including biscuits, chocolate, and dried fruit and nuts. The full list of items covered is due to be published next week.

Tariffs are import taxes paid by companies in the supermarket supply chain. Officials said they expect lower import costs for retailers and that savings should be passed on to consumers for shoppers to see lower prices.

Fuel duty cut extended through year-end

The government also said it will extend a 5p cut in fuel duty until the end of the year. The reduced rate for petrol and diesel was introduced in 2022 and had been due to be phased out in September.

Officials linked the package to ongoing cost pressures and recent increases in fuel prices. The government said it will provide further detail on the tariff suspension when the item list is released next week.