Transport Costs 2022-05-19
2022-05-19
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
No specific incident mentioned, but the question stems from an awareness of high petrol and diesel prices.
What recent assessment has he made of the impact of rising transport costs on the cost of living?
The Department consistently monitors how transport costs impact the cost of living and is investigating ways to reduce them further.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific details or figures regarding the assessment are not provided.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Petrol and diesel prices have reached record highs, and the RAC has suggested VAT reduction or rebate schemes.
The Minister mentioned that petrol and diesel prices are at record highs. The Chancellor announced a 5p duty cut but many constituents are still struggling. What discussions has he had with the Chancellor about employing similar fuel relief measures?
At the spring statement, the Chancellor announced a temporary 12-month cut of 5p a litre in duty on petrol and diesel. Treasury Ministers continue to keep the matter under review and Transport Ministers have regular conversations with Treasury Ministers about ensuring motoring remains affordable.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific discussions or concrete plans for VAT reduction or rebate schemes are not provided.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Ticket inspections on trains are not consistently conducted, leading to taxpayer concerns.
The cost of rail travel could be reduced by maximising the income of the rail companies. Given that there were no ticket inspections and barriers were non-operational on three out of four journeys last week, what will the Minister do to ensure that London North Eastern Railway, TransPennine and Grand Central maximise their income?
Revenue protection is incredibly important for all train operating companies. Taxpayers have put more than £16 billion into our railways during the pandemic, so we need to continue ensuring that operators do everything they can to maximise their revenues. The Minister and I are committed to ensuring that such incidents do not continue.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific measures or timeline for action is provided.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The service between Wakefield and Huddersfield was axed two years ago, resulting in increased costs for commuters.
Is the Minister aware that due to the closure of a small regular train service between Wakefield and Huddersfield, people have had to use more expensive options like taxis? How will they restore this service?
We are working to restore rail services following the pandemic. Through schemes like restoring your railway, we continue investing record amounts. I am particularly interested in ensuring local services right throughout the north of England. The Minister is willing to discuss points raised with the Rail Minister.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific plans or timeline for restoring rail service between Wakefield and Huddersfield are provided.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The Elizabeth line is set to open, contrasting the government's decision to cut services and infrastructure projects.
With the opening of the Elizabeth line on Tuesday, which was made possible by a Labour Government in 2005 through the Crossrail Bill, how will huge cuts and fare hikes help people return to trains while tackling climate and cost of living crises?
The integrated rail plan in the midlands and north is at £96 billion, five times Crossrail's size. We are proud of investing in London, but also the midlands and the north.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific measures or commitments to address fare hikes and service cuts are provided; shifts focus to scale of investment elsewhere.
Deflecting
Response accuracy