CUMBERLAND Council is exploring the potential to take on bus franchising and setting up a municipal bus company in north Cumbria, it has been revealed.

Councillor Denise Rollo (Harrington, Labour) the portfolio holder for sustainable, resilient and connected places, was speaking during Tuesday's (September 17) meeting of the council’s executive committee at Allerdale House in Workington.

Her news followed a recent announcement by the new Labour government that more local authorities will be such powers following the models already in place in London and Manchester.

She told members: "As a transport authority we would like to declare that we will be exploring this option.

"Many will know that recently we have set up a closer working partnership with Stagecoach but these powers would take it another step forward.

"[Transport secretary] Louise Haigh announced she would deliver a 'bus revolution' and that is what is needed in Cumberland."

Cllr Rollo said that at Monday's (September 16) meeting of Transport For The North, members explored their support for regional fleets where the emphasis was that procurement should focus on UK bus manufacturers.

She added: "Konrad Bailey, director general for Local Transport Bus and Rail Strategy at the DfT, yesterday listened to the feedback where it was highlighted that much of the north was rural and one size does not fit all."

Cllr Rollo said that it was still at a very early stage but it was a case of "watch this space".

Following the transport secretary's announcement earlier this month she said the plans mark the 'biggest overhaul to buses in a generation'.

The plans will greatly improve levels of bus service and boost declining passenger numbers, according to the Department for Transport (DfT).

Buses in the UK have been largely run by private companies since 1986, when they were deregulated by the then-Conservative government and sold off by local councils.

London councils took over their bus services in the capital in 2000, setting up Transport for London, while buses have been run by local councils in Manchester since 2017.

Speaking at the time of her announcement Ms Haigh said: “Buses are the lifeblood of our communities, but for too many people it has become impossible to rely on local services, as routes have been slashed and timetables hollowed out.

“Today is the first stop on our journey to delivering better buses across the country. After decades of failed deregulation, local leaders will finally have the powers to provide services that deliver for passengers.

“And we are taking steps to support local leaders to deliver improved bus services faster and cheaper than ever before.

“With local communities firmly back in the driving seat, our bus revolution will save vital routes up and down the country and put passengers first.”