In the News

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RE: In the News
Taken from BBC News Website :

The Liberal Democrats are discussing plans to introduce free bus travel for all children under 16.

The Daily Telegraph reports that Deputy Prime Minister is "very keen" on the scheme.

The paper says it could form part of a set of "family friendly" policies, alongside Conservative-backed tax breaks for married couples.

However, a senior Lib Dem source told the BBC it had barely been discussed in government, let alone agreed.

The aide to the deputy prime minister added that "this is an interesting idea but it's far too early to say whether it can be delivered," BBC political correspondent Robin Brant reported..

The idea is intended to improve safety for children and also have environmental benefits because it could lead to fewer cars on the road, the Telegraph reported.

The Liberal Democrat Transport Minister, Norman Baker, had previously told parliament he was working with the bus companies to try to narrow the disparity between the costs of bus travel for children in different parts of the country.

Under 16s in London have been able to travel on buses without paying for almost ten years, while other children across the country benefit from some means tested schemes.