Now finally a date has been set for the debate meaning a key issued for millions of over 60s will be discussed by MPs on January 5. The petition, which can be seen here, says: “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.”

When the petition reached 10,000 signatures, the Department for Transport issued a response in which it said a change like that would cost a lot of money. It said: ” The government wants everyone to have access to public transport and is committed to improving services. We also recognise the importance of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) in supporting local bus travel, assisting with access to essential local services and helping those who use it to stay active and avoid isolation.

“The 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.”

It did explain that funding had been issued to councils which could be accessed locally to make changes to concessionary travel – if the council decides this is a priority. The DfT said: “Local authorities in England do have the power to offer concessions in addition to their statutory obligations, for example, by extending the age of eligibility for the older persons’ bus pass. These are additional local concessions provided and funded by local authorities from local resources, depending on the needs and priorities of each area.

“At the Budget on 30 October [2024], the government confirmed a £1 billion boost for buses, of which £712 million has been allocated to local authorities to support and improve bus services. 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.”

On the issue of unfairness that people in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland get the passes when those in England do not, the DfT said: “Concessionary travel is a devolved policy area and as such, the eligibility age for the bus pass differs between the devolved nations of the United Kingdom. This means, in effect, that there are different schemes in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so the administrative arrangements are entirely separate.”

The Department for Transport has confirmed that from April next year, individuals in England will have to wait an additional year to receive their free bus pass. Despite a substantial campaign pushing for the same concessionary travel benefits as those in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – where free bus travel is available from the age of 60 – in England, complimentary travel is only granted from the age of 66, aligning with the state pension age.

This is unless local authorities, such as those in London and Merseyside, opt to fund the provision themselves. From next year, the waiting period for a free pass in England will extend by another 12 months.

This change corresponds with the planned increase in the State Pension age from 66 to 67, set to be fully implemented across the UK by 2028 for both men and women.

This modification to the official retirement age has been in the pipeline since 2014, with a further increase from 67 to 68 expected between 2044 and 2046.

To view the petition and the government response, click here.