Children across England can enjoy free bus travel throughout August.

The initiative is designed to alleviate financial pressures on families during the school summer holidays.

The Department for Transport (DfT) confirmed that most under-16s will not be required to pay for travel on the majority of local bus services throughout August.

The DfT identified several popular sites which are accessible via the free travel scheme, such as York Dungeon, Windsor Castle and the National Space Centre in Leicester.

Typically, bus fares for children aged five to 15 range from £1 to £2, while those under five years old already benefit from free bus travel.

Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander said earlier this year: “I know that the cost of living is a concern for households across the UK, which is why we’re cutting the cost of the day-to-day, with free bus travel for children this summer.”

Other measures to ease the cost-of-living burden throughout summer holidays

The Government introduced the Great British Summer Savings scheme.

Here, VAT has been cut on items such as children’s meals at restaurants, children’s theatre and cinema tickets, and family attractions including theme parks and adventure centres.

Former Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the “Great British Summer Savings” measure as part of a package aimed at easing the impact on the cost of living from the Iran war.

Peppa Pig World, Alton Towers and Legoland are among the well-known attractions taking part.

Theme parks and cinemas welcomed the slashing of VAT, with British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions chief executive Paul Kelly saying it was “a very welcome and timely boost for the UK’s visitor attraction sector”.

“Our members stand ready to pass on this benefit and deliver brilliant, memorable experiences for visitors of all ages.”

UK Hospitality chairwoman Kate Nicholls said a lower rate of VAT for hospitality was “the quickest and simplest way to lower prices and boost consumer confidence”.

£2 cap on bus fares

Last week, the Government announced it will reintroduce a £2 cap on bus fares for all passengers from the start of next year.

The current cap is £3.

Ms Alexander said: “We’re giving families room to breathe from the cost-of-living squeeze.

“With free bus travel for five to 15-year-olds and discounts on kids’ meals at restaurants, cinema tickets and theme parks, we’re helping people make the most of the time they have together for the school holidays.

“Not only are we lowering costs for the summer, the £2 bus fare cap will help all passengers get to where they need to for less.”