Huge Victory for Disabled Bus Pass Holders

Disabled residents across North East Lincolnshire will continue to be able to use their bus passes at any time of day after a Liberal Democrat campaign secured a permanent nationwide change.

Temporary local funding currently allows disabled bus pass holders in North East Lincolnshire to travel free before 9.30am. That funding is due to end on 31 March 2027, but from the following day, 1 April, the new national entitlement will take effect across England.

This means disabled residents locally should not face a return to the previous restrictions when the temporary funding ends.

It is frustrating that the Government is taking until April to implement the change. Disabled people need to travel for work, education, medical appointments and everyday life now. Disability does not begin at 9.30am.

Liberal Democrat MP Tom Gordon repeatedly raised the issue in Parliament and attempted to change the law. Although the Labour Government opposed his amendment at the time, the North East Lincolnshire Liberal Democrat Group welcomes its eventual decision to introduce 24-hour free bus travel for disabled pass holders.

This is a huge victory for disabled people in North East Lincolnshire and across England, and for the Liberal Democrats, who campaigned for nearly two years to end these unfair restrictions.

The change will provide long-term certainty and give disabled people greater freedom and independence. It also proves that persistent campaigning can deliver meaningful change.