High Peak MP Jon Pearce has welcomed the Labour Government’s announcement that a new £2 national bus fare cap will be introduced from January, helping make public transport more affordable for passengers across High Peak.
The new cap forms part of the Government’s plans to improve access to public transport while helping with the cost of living, ensuring people can travel for work, education, healthcare and leisure without facing high fares.
Jon Pearce MP has consistently campaigned for better and more affordable public transport across High Peak, arguing that reliable bus services are vital for rural communities.
His work has included securing investment through the Mini Switzerland Project, which is improving public transport links in Hope Valley. He also successfully campaigned to extend free bus travel for 16 to 18-year-olds travelling to college in Greater Manchester so that eligible young people from High Peak can benefit.
Jon Pearce MP said:
“For too long, people in High Peak have paid the price for poor and expensive public transport. In a rural constituency like ours, buses are a lifeline, connecting people to work, education, healthcare and local services.
“I’m delighted that the Labour Government is introducing a new £2 national bus fare cap from January. This will make it cheaper for people to get around while helping families with the cost of living.
“I’ve been campaigning for better, cheaper bus services since I was elected. We’ve already secured major investment through the Mini Switzerland Project and extended free bus travel for 16 to 18-year-olds travelling to college in Greater Manchester to include young people from High Peak.
“This latest announcement is another important step towards delivering the affordable, reliable public transport that our communities deserve, and I’ll continue working to improve transport links across High Peak.”
The £2 fare cap will apply across England from January, making bus travel more affordable for millions of passengers and supporting greater use of public transport.
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Last week, the Government confirmed the biggest overhaul of local government in a generation. After months of discussion and consultation, we now know that from April 2028, High Peak will become part of a new Derbyshire North Council.
This was the best proposal on the table and the one that local Labour councillors and I supported after thoroughly considering all possible the options.
Change on this scale inevitably brings mixed opinions. There were advantages and disadvantages to every proposal put forward, and I understand that not everyone will agree with the final decision. But now that a decision has been made, our focus must be on making sure High Peak gets the very best deal from the council.
One of the biggest benefits is that the confusing two-tier system will come to an end. Instead of responsibilities being split between High Peak Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council, a single council will deliver all local government services. That should make it easier for residents to know who is responsible for their services, improve accountability and reduce unnecessary duplication saving taxpayer money.
Of course, changing the structure of local government on its own won't solve every problem.
For too long, many people in High Peak have felt that our communities have been overlooked. Too often we have been first in line for cuts and last in line for investment. There is no clearer example than Reform-run Derbyshire County Council's proposal to close Glossop tip. Time and again, High Peak has had to fight for its fair share.
That cannot continue under the new council. High Peak is unlike anywhere else in Derbyshire. We have strong links with Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire, a thriving visitor economy, unique rural communities and distinct challenges that require local understanding. That's why I've worked hard to bring together the Mayors of the East Midlands, Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire through the Peak Partnership, creating a stronger voice for our area and unlocking greater collaboration to secure investment, improve transport and create opportunities for High Peak. It is vital that the new Derbyshire North Council recognises those differences and ensures High Peak has a strong voice around the table.
Nothing will change overnight. High Peak Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council will continue delivering services until April 2028, giving time for a careful and orderly transition. There is a great deal of work to do between now and then to make sure the new authority is ready to hit the ground running.
For my part, I will continue working closely with councillors, local communities and ministers throughout that process. My priority is simple: making sure High Peak is at the heart of every decision and we get our fair share.
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