Debates between Lord Watts and Baroness Blake of Leeds during the 2024 Parliament

Bus Fares: National Cap

Debate between Lord Watts and Baroness Blake of Leeds
Monday 7th October 2024

(2 months, 3 weeks ago)

Lords Chamber
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Baroness Blake of Leeds Portrait Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)
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Rural communities come up all the time when we are talking about bus services. I have lived in the wilds of the Yorkshire Dales in the past and I know exactly how important it is. But the important thing is that local determination can highlight priorities, and we know how much the bus cap has helped rural communities over the last few months. This is something that will be of great concern as we consider how we take it forward.

Lord Watts Portrait Lord Watts (Lab)
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My Lords, most of the money that comes to the bus companies in income is derived from the public purse. Will the Minister make sure that we get value for money for the taxpayers and stop bus companies ripping us off?

Baroness Blake of Leeds Portrait Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)
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My noble friend hits on a very sensitive and important issue. Value for money must be driven throughout any scheme that we come up with, and that is one of the top priorities of the work that is happening as we speak.