The New Economics Foundation (NEF) mapped youth bus fare discounts for 16- to 24-year-olds across all 153 upper tier councils in England. It found that 75% of young people not in education, employment or training (Neet) live where no council backed discount is open to everyone their age, or 69% if individual bus company tickets are included.

Age is the main dividing line. The number of councils offering an open to all youth discount falls from 114 at age 17 to 48 at 19 and nine at 22. Among 22- to 24-year-old Neets, 91% have no such discount available.

Coastal areas fare worst, with 83% of Neets having no council backed open to all discount, against 68% elsewhere outside London. In London, 97% of Neets have no unconditional discount.

NEF estimates that 25% of Neets in England face both poor public transport access to jobs and no open to all discount, rising to a third in coastal areas. It links better connectivity with lower Neet rates, particularly on the coast, but says this is not causal analysis.

NEF calls for free bus travel for under 25s alongside more services, which it estimates would cost £1.1bn upfront, rising to £1.5bn a year long term. It makes the case ahead of the Milburn review on Neet policy, due in November.