Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question is prompted by concerns over the adequacy of bus services in England. The MP seeks an assessment from the government on this issue.
What recent assessment has been made of the adequacy of bus service levels in England?
The Government are providing the largest public investment in buses for a generation, with over £4.5 billion-worth of services provided in England outside London since 2020. This is part of rebuilding after the covid pandemic.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns about proposed cuts to specific bus routes, the loss of workers in the sector over a decade, and the need for local authority funding to deliver necessary services.
My constituents are concerned about the proposed cuts to bus routes. The Government's latest statistics show significant declines in the bus sector since 2013. Will the government commit to reversing an ideological ban on municipal bus companies and ensure sufficient funding for local authorities?
The number of local bus passenger journeys increased by 19% in the financial year ending March 2023. The local authority received £19 million in extra BSIP-plus funding, and I urge operators to sign up to the £2 fare scheme.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask for reversing an ideological ban on municipal bus companies was not addressed directly.
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
Concern about the distribution of long-term BSIP Government cash, noting that only a small percentage is allocated to one area within the town.
Of the £3.722 million long-term BSIP Government cash given to Blackburn with Darwen Council, only £180,000 is being spent in the town of Darwen. Will the Minister ensure that funding is distributed fairly among all represented populations?
This money is intended to support communities in the constituency and should not be focused on one area alone. I will write to the local authority about this point.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP notes a significant drop in bus mileage in the north-east compared to London since 2010. There is interest from Labour's candidate for North East Mayor to address this.
Bus mileage has dropped by over 30% in the north-east, while it decreased only by 5% in London since 2010. Is it time to let local communities have power and control of their own local bus services?
The North East is set to have a regional Mayor, with the Labour candidate for the position facing challenges. The Government supports enhanced bus company usage through initiatives like the £2 fare scheme.
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Assessment & feedback
Discussion of regional Mayors and electoral issues instead of addressing control over local bus services.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Recent statistics show a rise in bus patronage due to franchising initiatives. The MP asks whether the government supports extending such control to all local authorities.
The Bee Network has seen an 8% increase in patronage and improved on-time services since franchising began. Will the Minister support Labour's plan for local authority control over bus services?
The number of bus journeys increased by 19% in the financial year ending March 2023 due to Government funding. We have allowed certain authorities and Mayors to engage in franchising, but it must be funded properly.
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Assessment & feedback
Support for Labour's plan was not directly addressed.
Response accuracy