Children in England to be offered free bus trips this August

The UK government will offer free local bus travel to children in England this August as part of a £100m scheme, while also suspending tariffs on over 100 food items, Chancellor Rachel Reeves will announce ^[1][2].

Children aged five to 15 will travel for free on participating local buses throughout August ^[1][2]. The government estimates the initiative could save a family with two children who make a weekly return trip approximately £27, based on an estimated fare of £1.50 per trip ^[2]. Eligible children can take unlimited trips without needing to register ^[2].

In a separate cost-of-living measure, the government will suspend tariffs—import taxes paid by companies—on more than 100 everyday food products, including biscuits, chocolate, dried fruit, and nuts ^[1][2]. The full list of affected items will be published next week ^[2]. The announcement comes as food prices rose by 3.3% in April compared to the same month last year ^[2].

A third measure will see a 5p cut on fuel duty extended until the end of the year, rather than being phased out in September as previously planned ^[1]. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the combined policies were aimed at "putting money back into people's pockets" ^[2]. The bus scheme mirrors a trial in the West of England, which the region's Labour mayor said had facilitated around 1.4 million free journeys ^[2].