Asked by: Abtisam Mohamed (Labour - Sheffield Central)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of free travel for carers on (a) improving access to essential services and (b) promoting inclusivity for (i) disabled people and (ii) people with chronic illnesses.
Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age, currently sixty-six. The ENCTS costs around £700 million annually and any changes to the statutory obligations, such as extending the eligibility criteria, would therefore need to be carefully considered for its impact on the scheme’s financial sustainability.
An assessment has not been made of the potential impact of free travel for carers, however, local authorities in England have the power to go beyond their statutory obligations under the ENCTS and offer additional discretionary concessions, such as offering companion passes for those travelling with someone eligible for the ENCTS.
Asked by: Abtisam Mohamed (Labour - Sheffield Central)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of allowing carers to accompany those they care for to travel free of charge on public transport.
Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age, currently sixty-six. The ENCTS costs around £700 million annually and any changes to the statutory obligations, such as extending the eligibility criteria, would therefore need to be carefully considered for its impact on the scheme’s financial sustainability.
An assessment has not been made of the potential impact of free travel for carers, however, local authorities in England have the power to go beyond their statutory obligations under the ENCTS and offer additional discretionary concessions, such as offering companion passes for those travelling with someone eligible for the ENCTS.
Asked by: Abtisam Mohamed (Labour - Sheffield Central)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will have discussions with representatives of private hire companies on the working conditions of drivers.
Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The Department for Transport discusses a range of issues with representatives from the taxi and private hire vehicle sector. Employment law and working practice policy, including working conditions, is outside of my Department’s remit and is owned by the Department for Business and Trade.
Asked by: Abtisam Mohamed (Labour - Sheffield Central)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has received representations on the working conditions of drivers in the private hire industry.
Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The Department for Transport discusses a range of issues with representatives from the taxi and private hire vehicle sector. Employment law and working practice policy, including working conditions, is outside of my Department’s remit and is owned by the Department for Business and Trade.
Asked by: Abtisam Mohamed (Labour - Sheffield Central)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans she has to launch a consultation on cross-border working in the private hire vehicle industry.
Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The Government keeps all policies under review and is aware of stakeholder concerns about the current legislative and regulatory framework for taxis and private hire vehicles, including cross-border working. The Government is considering how to improve the current regulatory position, whilst still enabling the sector to deliver safe and accessible services that meet a wide range of passenger needs.