Island families could save more than £204,000 on bus fares this August, according to new analysis from Island Labour.
Children aged 5-15 will be able to travel for free on participating local bus services across England throughout August, as part of Government action aimed at easing cost of living pressures.
Island Labour says that, based on 1 return trip per week per child at an average child fare of £1.50, families on the Isle of Wight could save a combined £204,458 over the month.
The free bus travel scheme will run alongside the Government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme, which will see VAT temporarily reduced from 20% to 5% on eligible family activities between 25th June and 1st September 2026.
The scheme is set to apply to children’s meals in restaurants, children’s tickets for cinemas and theatres, and admission to attractions such as soft play centres, adventure centres and theme parks.
Publishing the analysis, Labour’s Steve Reading has said:
“We all want to enjoy some time with the family in the summer, and we all know that times are tough. That’s why the Labour Government is providing Great British Summer Savings on travel for kids, children’s meals, and tickets for cinemas, theatres and a whole range of days out over the coming months.
“And improving affordability will be a big help for the Island’s leisure and tourism-based businesses.
Article continues below this advertisement “These savings aren’t going to end the cost of living crisis on their own, but they are going to help thousands of children on the Isle of Wight. It’s a step in the right direction, and real help now when families need it.”
The Government says the measures are designed to help families enjoy days out for less while also supporting businesses that rely on summer footfall.
No reductions though for workers who use the bus to get to work. Typical of this liebour party. Two tier policing and now 2 tier travel. Get rid of heir starmer and his anti British scumbag politicians. (Liars)
don’t these politicians make you sick, “families travelling for free this summer” nothing is for free in this world, somebody ie the taxpayer is going to pay for it, cut the bloody tax and let us spend it on what we want to spend it on, I’m sick of subsidising everyone else,
This Government is not for the workers, they are for the
Shirkers, let’s face it they employ the most shirkers in the
country.
I agree. I don’t even call them “government” any more. To me they are the ruling party, a bunch of suits full of sod all who care nothing for the people who want to get on.
The problem is they couldn’t run a bath between them
the WEF give them their instructions.
Doesn’t matter who is in power they are all singing
from the same hymn sheet.
Hallelujah
Same with Wightlink giving thousands of FREE
tickets to teenagers
Who paid for your education? Your NHS care? You?
NHS care is not free, we pay for it, so many people
forget that
well I would say that I have paid enough taxes throughout my working life to cover my education and nhs care, and others benefits, care, housing and council services etc.
This is a ridiculous ‘whataboutery’ comment. It’s the Government’s job to decide how to use taxes, in line with manifesto commitments, of which reducing child poverty is one. Not all policies have to benefit everyone. This will make a better summer for many families on the Island.
Well I must say the way numpties sit on buses etc
I wouldn’t travel by bus if they paid me too!
Ahhh the witless wonder returns with his usual rhetoric of gibberish….
The truth always hurts
Bless you
The truth is there for all to see my dim-witted friend; the problem is you look through your own distorted lens of what you wish to be true.
Do they really expect children to walk to the bus stops…..
Their Vapes will keep them warm on cold mornings
Lol