Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Harriett Baldwin and Trudy Harrison

Thursday 19th May 2022 Commons Chamber

[Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con)]

15. What steps he is taking to improve local transport services.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Trudy Harrison)]

Driving improvements to local transport services is vital to levelling up. That is why we have committed £5 billion this Parliament to do that.

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[Trudy Harrison]

My hon. Friend is a doughty champion, and he has set out exactly what our national bus strategy wants to achieve. I am thrilled at the ambition that I am hearing from across the House—and, indeed, the country —for better bus services. That is what we want to achieve. I feel the disappointment, but as was set out in the letter of 4 April to the unsuccessful areas, this is not the end of the road—far from it. We will continue the support. Perhaps my hon. Friend would like to join the meeting with the Minister in the other place, as we Bus Back Better, particularly in his community.

[Harriett Baldwin]

Given the growing popularity of the Worcestershire Parkway station, which is at the intersection of the North Cotswold line and the Cross Country line, will the Minister ask her colleague’s officials to look again at the compelling strategic outline business case for doubling the North Cotswold line between Oxford and Worcester?

[Trudy Harrison]

The £500 million restoring your railway fund is supporting more than 45 schemes in England and Wales by providing funding and advice. In answer to her question, it would probably be most appropriate for her to have a meeting with the relevant Minister, the Minister of State, Department for Transport, my hon. Friend the Member for Aldridge-Brownhills (Wendy Morton).

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[Trudy Harrison]

Absolutely, yes. Safety will always be of paramount importance to us.

[Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con)]

T8. Like local authorities in so many other parts of the country, Worcestershire County Council was unsuccessful in its bid for Bus Back Better funds. Can the Minister assure me that the Department will give feedback to Worcestershire County Council so that next time it can bid back better?

[Trudy Harrison]

Absolutely, yes. My hon. Friend is a fantastic champion for local services. We are providing that feedback very shortly to ensure that local authorities, enhanced partnerships and bus operators can all work together and stand the greatest chance of success in future applications. That support will continue.