The national entitlement scheme operates UK-wide, but there are different eligibility rules under devolved governments.
How to apply for a Blue Badge
Two MPs have asked the UK Government to consider making changes to the concessionary travel scheme in England to enable all people over the age of 60 to travel for free on buses, which would bring it into line with the same service provided by the Scottish Government.
The National Entitlement Card (NEC) in Scotland provides access to many public services and gives people over 60, and those of all ages with a disability, free bus travel across Scotland. Through the Strathclyde Concessionary Travel Scheme, it also provides reduced fares on train, Subway and ferry journeys.
The questions from Liberal Democrat MP Helen Maguire and Reform UK MP Lee Anderson, are similar to the proposals in an online petition calling for the change, which is currently due a revised response from the Department for Transport.
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In separate, but similar written responses to both MPs, Transport Minister Simon Lightwood explained how the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) “provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of State Pension age (66)” and that any changes to the eligibility age would need to be “carefully considered for its impact on the scheme’s financial sustainability”.
However, he added that the UK Government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025/26 financial year to “support and improve bus services in England outside London”.
He said funding of £712m allocated to local authorities to improve services for passengers “could include extending the discretionary concessions available in the local area”.
Mr Lightwood said: “The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of State Pension age, currently sixty-six. The ENCTS costs around £700 million annually and any changes to the statutory obligations, such as lowering the age of eligibility, would therefore need to be carefully considered for its impact on the scheme’s financial sustainability.
“Local authorities in England have the power to offer concessions in addition to their statutory obligations such as lowering the age of eligibility. Additional local concessions are provided and funded by local authorities from local resources.
“The government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London.”
He continued: “This includes £243 million for bus operators and £712 million allocated to local authorities across the country. East Midlands Combined County Authority has been allocated £40.5 million of this funding.
“Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services for passengers can be used in whichever way they wish. This could include extending the discretionary concessions available in the local area.”
Online petition
An online petition is calling for the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme to be expanded and follow the Scottish Government’s lead by providing free bus travel to everyone over the age of 60.
Petition creator Karen Hickman argues that the current scheme is “unjust” and calls for “equality for everyone over 60”. The campaigner explained that people in England, living outside London, are not entitled to free bus travel until they reach State Pension age – 66 for both men and women – which she believes has “changed dramatically.”
More than 40,860 people have signed the ‘extend free bus travel for people over 60 in England’ e-petition, which has been posted on the petitions-parliament website. At 10,000 signatures, it is entitled to a written response from the UK Government and at 100,000 it would be considered by the Petitions Committee for debate in Parliament.
The petition states: “We call on the Government to extend free bus travel to all people over 60 years old in England outside London. We believe the current situation is unjust and we want equality for everyone over 60.
“Currently, people in England who do not live in London are not entitled to free bus travel until they reach the state pension age, which we believe has changed dramatically. As people get older some over 60s drive less and less, therefore we believe we need equality on public transport.
“It would mean England had the same provision as Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.”
You can view it online here.
