Bus service funding between Norfolk and Suffolk
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October 2026
Dear Simon Lightwood MP,
I am writing to highlight the disparity in bus service funding between Norfolk and Suffolk, two
neighbouring counties within my constituency, and the impact this funding gap is having on
our local transport network.
Waveney Valley has recently experienced a reduction in the Charcoal Line service operated
by First Bus. This route is supported through joint funding arrangements between Norfolk
and Suffolk County Councils to supplement its commercial viability.
Recent changes have resulted in a significant reduction in service provision, including the
withdrawal of the X41 route and the introduction of a longer service pattern. Consequently,
many rural communities now face less frequent and less convenient public transport than
previously available.
From 2022 to 2025 Norfolk County Council received £49.6 million from Bus Service
Improvement Plans (BSIP) funding. Suffolk County Council did not receive equivalent
funding during this period.
The discrepancy between the funding available to each council is such that Norfolk County
Council was able to place a portion of their annual Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG) into
reserves in 2024/25. These reserves will be needed for the council to continue to support
vital public transport services in the future. However, the difference between Norfolk and
Suffolk is marked as Suffolk County Council is said to be unable to support vital public
transport services now.
Moving forward, the newly integrated Local Authority Bus Grant (LABG) is now providing
Norfolk County Council with £46.1 million from 2026/2027 – 2028/29, whereas Suffolk
County Council will receive only £27.2 million. This is a clear disparity and has impacted the
decisions Suffolk County Council can make, even when bus services cross county borders.
Given the continued loss of high street retailers and banking services in Bungay, Suffolk,
reliable transport links to Norwich are increasingly important for residents seeking access to
education, employment, services, and amenities. The reduction in these bus services has
made such journeys substantially more difficult.Adrian Ramsay
Member of Parliament for Waveney Valley
A deeply frustrating situation has been created for my constituents, where bus services that
cross county boundaries can face uncertainty or withdrawal because one authority lacks
the resources available to its neighbour. Local residents find it increasingly difficult to
understand why equivalent rural communities receive significantly different levels of
support depending on county boundaries.
County councils such as Suffolk need both greater overall funding for bus services and
funding settlements that are more equitable with comparable authorities. Without this,
councils will continue to struggle to maintain essential routes that connect residents to
employment, education, healthcare and local services.
I would therefore be grateful for:
An explanation of the basis on which LABG and related bus funding allocations are
distributed between county councils
Confirmation of the steps your department is taking to ensure equivalent rural counties
receive fair and comparable levels of support
Consideration of additional funding being made available to councils facing difficulties
in sustaining vital cross-boundary bus services such as the First Bus Charcoal Line
Service.
I look forward to your response.
Adrian Ramsay
Member of Parliament for Waveney Valley
