Burnham Expands Disabled Bus Travel, Tackles Transport Costs Amid Economic Squeeze

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced a significant expansion of free bus travel for disabled people across England, allowing them to use their passes at any time of day or night starting from April 2027. This move extends a policy previously implemented in Greater Manchester, aiming to alleviate financial pressures on vulnerable households.

Burnham's administration is also taking public control of the local bus network in the West Midlands, a move described as "absolutely massive" and intended to protect thousands of jobs. These initiatives come as the UK faces a persistent cost of living squeeze, with recent reports indicating that wage growth is slowing and job vacancies have hit a five-year low. Retailers are also under scrutiny for being too slow to pass on falling fuel prices, further impacting household budgets.