Local buses to be 're-regulated'

Labour has pledged to give local authorities more control over deregulated bus services.

Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander said he wants to end the "free-for-all" situation in some areas of the UK.

"Certainly in some places like Brighton and York the public and private sectors work well together. But in too many communities they don't," he said.

"I want to see bus services work in every community," he told Labour's annual conference in Manchester.

He said he planned to "bring forward proposals to change the way buses are run in this country".

"To ensure the private sector delivers the bus services our communities demand I will act to give the local transport authorities that need them real powers to make a real difference.

"This means local solutions designed for local needs."