Cycling and Walking Local Authority Support 2020-09-17
2020-09-17
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about local authorities maintaining and increasing levels of cycling and walking.
What support his Department is providing to local authorities to maintain and increase levels of cycling and walking?
The Government are investing £2 billion in active travel over the next five years. That is the biggest ever boost for cycling and walking and, as we heard in the previous question, it is welcomed widely across the House.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Medway Council has upgraded cycling and walking routes, but a section of the Aylesford towpath collapsed into the River Medway earlier this year and is now closed to over 6,000 users monthly. Kent County Council faces a significant shortfall in funds to repair it.
Could the Minister offer any guidance towards emergency central Government funding pots that would enable the reopening of that incredibly popular path for cyclists and walkers?
The Government allocated the first tranche of active travel funds to councils earlier in the summer; a bigger second tranche will follow shortly. I am quite sure that my hon. Friend will be able to persuade her county council to make the appropriate investment in Aylesford towpath, and I would be very happy to work with her to try to help that happen.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific guidance on emergency funding pots was not provided; instead, the Minister offered to work with the MP to find a solution.
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Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The Canal and River Trust team in the MP's constituency has submitted a bid for £45 million of funding from the Department as part of the commitment of £2 billion for cycling and walking.
Does the Minister agree that supporting such regional bids is a big part of encouraging more cycling and walking in our regions, and that it is a vital part of our levelling up the country and improving the health of our constituents?
I happily agree with my hon. Friend; he is absolutely right. The canal towpath network across the country, a huge chunk of which runs through my constituency, is a wonderful place for walking and cycling. He is right to identify that we have committed a £2 billion package to active travel.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy