Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Rural Bus Services

Thursday 21 November 2024 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Claire Young asked about the adequacy of rural bus services and the impact of funding difficulties on cross-border services.
  • The Minister stated that the upcoming buses Bill will include measures to give local authorities power to manage local networks and prevent unnecessary cuts.
  • Christopher Bloore thanked the Secretary of State and Minister for a 9.3 million investment in buses for Worcestershire, which restores connections previously cut.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Claire Young Lib Dem Thornbury and Yate
Transport Local Government
Context

Fourteen years of decline in local bus services under the previous government have impacted communities across the country, especially in rural areas. The loss of vital services like the 84/85 bus between Gloucestershire and the west of England highlights the issue.

Question

What recent assessment has been made regarding the adequacy of bus services in rural areas? Many constituents in Thornbury and Yate have been impacted by the loss of the 84/85 bus due to funding difficulties caused by cross-border service rules. Does the Minister agree that these rules need clarification?

Answer from Lilian Greenwood

The Government recognises the concern about vital bus services being lost, which is why the upcoming buses Bill will explore a local network management measure that gives local authorities power to ensure cuts are made only when necessary. This aims to protect people like those who relied on the 84/85 bus.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide specific details on whether the rules governing cross-border services need clarification or how these rules will be addressed in the upcoming Bill.

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Q2 Claire Young Lib Dem Thornbury and Yate
Transport
Context

The loss of the 84/85 bus between Gloucestershire and the west of England has affected local communities, raising concerns about funding difficulties for cross-border services.

Question

Many Thornbury and Yate constituents have been impacted by the loss of the 84/85 bus due to funding issues caused by its status as a cross-border service. Does the Minister agree that rules need clarification so they do not hinder essential local transport?

Answer from Lilian Greenwood

The Government recognises the concern when vital bus services are lost. The upcoming buses Bill will include a local network management measure giving local authorities power over cuts, ensuring that necessary services like those relied upon by Thornbury and Yate constituents continue to run.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not confirm whether the rules specifically governing cross-border bus services need clarification or how these rules will be addressed in the upcoming Bill.

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Q3 Christopher Bloore Lab Redditch
Transport Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The Secretary of State announced £9.3 million investment in Worcestershire buses, aiming to improve access to work and health services for constituents.

Question

Thank you, Mr Speaker, for recognising my question. My thoughts are with Lord Prescott's family; he was one of the first politicians I met as a young student and made an impression. May I congratulate the Secretary of State and Minister on the £9.3 million investment in buses for Worcestershire? This is crucial for a rural constituency where people struggle to get to work, access health services or stay connected with friends and family.

Answer from Lilian Greenwood

My hon. Friend is right to speak up for his Worcestershire constituents, noting that the £9.3 million investment by the Government ensures connections cut off under the previous administration are now restored.

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide specific details on how the funding will be used or its impact on rural bus services in Worcestershire.

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