Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

Transport for London Funding 2024-02-08

2024-02-08

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Bob Blackman Con
Harrow East
▸ Context
The question arises from the Government's £6.6 billion funding to Transport for London (TfL), given since 2020, with conditions including fare increases in line with England.
What discussions has he had with Transport for London on its use of Government funding? Clearly, the £6.6 billion to subsidise TfL came with strings attached, including raising fares in line with the rest of England. No sooner did the last instalment of the money arrive than the Mayor managed to find £30 million to pay off the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers, which threatened strike action, storing up problems for the next negotiations. He then found £120 million so that he does not have to raise fares in line with the rest of England. He has now come up with a crazy policy of reduced fares on Fridays, without having talked to anyone before introducing it. Will my right hon. Friend have a meeting with the Labour Mayor of London and ensure the money provided by the Department is used for the benefit of Londoners?
Mark Harper
It is important that the money is used for the benefit of Londoners. We have provided very significant support, but it has not stopped the Mayor from putting up taxes on motorists with his ultra low emission zone scheme in outer London. Rather than a meeting, voters should vote for Susan Hall to remove him.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Meeting with Labour Mayor of London to ensure funds are used correctly
Voters Should Vote For Susan Hall To Remove The Mayor
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Bob Blackman Con
Harrow East
▸ Context
The question arises from the Government's £6.6 billion funding to Transport for London (TfL), given since 2020, with conditions including fare increases in line with England.
What discussions has he had with Transport for London on its use of Government funding?
Mark Harper
Transport in London is devolved to the Mayor of London. Since 2020, the Government have given TfL £6.6 billion for transport services. It is the responsibility of the Greater London Authority to hold the Mayor and Transport for London accountable. The Department regularly contacts TfL and monitors its finances as per funding settlement letters.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Specific discussions about the use of funds
Response accuracy