Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Bus Franchising

Thursday 21 November 2024 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Legislation on bus franchising requires local authorities to consider small and medium-sized enterprises.
  • The formula and allocations for bus funding will be published later on the date of the inquiry.
  • Local transport authorities are empowered to provide the services that local communities want without specifying exact subsidy levels.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jayne Kirkham Labour (Co-op) Truro and Falmouth
Transport
Context

Inquiry into steps taken to support small and medium-sized local bus operators in participating in bus franchising schemes.

Question

Whether she is taking steps to support the participation of small and medium-sized local bus operators in bus franchising schemes. We have strong local SMEs providing flexible services in Falmouth. Will the Minister confirm support for this model when updating guidance?

Answer from Lilian Greenwood

Legislation on bus franchising requires local authorities to consider small and medium-sized enterprises. We are developing different models, including those requiring less financial commitment. Our transformative buses Bill aims to give more options to local communities, providing opportunities for all operators, including SMEs.

Answered
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Q2 Jayne Kirkham Labour (Co-op) Truro and Falmouth
Transport Energy
Context

Concern for small and medium-sized local bus companies wanting to be energy-efficient to participate in franchises.

Question

How can the Minister help those small and medium-sized bus companies to be energy efficient, with hydrogen buses for example, thereby gaining franchises?

Answer from Lilian Greenwood

Putting buses at the heart of our policies increases ridership opportunities for local manufacturers and operators. However, transport matters are devolved in Strangford's constituency.

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide specific help or measures to support energy efficiency.

How: Transport Matters Are Devolved.

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Q3 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Transport
Context

The Secretary of State's statement on Monday used a funding formula based on local need, population, distance buses travel, and levels of deprivation. The formula has not been published.

Question

When will the formula for allocating bus funding be published?

Answer from Lilian Greenwood

We are proud of our work to ensure every part of the country benefits from additional funding. The formula and allocations will be published later today.

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Q4 Gareth Bacon Con Orpington
Transport
Context

Areas such as Leicester, the Isle of Wight, Torbay and Cambridgeshire will receive unprecedented funding for bus services. The level of subsidy required in these areas was not specified.

Question

What levels of subsidy does she believe that bus services in those areas will require?

Answer from Lilian Greenwood

We have provided substantial funding and local transport authorities are empowered to provide the services that local communities want, without specifying the exact levels of subsidy required for each area.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Exact levels of subsidy not specified.

How: Local Decisions About Service Subsidies

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