Oral Answers to Questions

Ian Levy Excerpts

Thursday 2nd March 2023 Commons Chamber

[Mike Amesbury (Weaver Vale) (Lab)]

11. What assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of trends in the number of bus services in England since 2019.

[Ian Levy (Blyth Valley) (Con)]

12. What steps he is taking to help ensure the continuity of bus services.

[Luke Pollard (Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport) (Lab/Co-op)]

23. What assessment he has made of the impact of reductions to bus services on local communities.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Holden]

The hon. Member raises some important questions. I know that Conservative colleagues have met Arriva in recent days, and I met my hon. Friend the Member for Crewe and Nantwich (Dr Mullan) and my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Eddisbury (Edward Timpson) about the Arriva issues in the area yesterday. My understanding is that D&G Bus is already looking to provide some of the services that Arriva has decided to remove itself from. I note the hon. Member’s concern about the issue and if he would like to meet me, I would be delighted.

[Ian Levy]

Effective and reliable public transport is essential for our local communities. Reductions in local services in Blyth Valley, including the X10 and X11 to Newcastle, mean that my constituents plan their journeys only to find that the buses are late or simply not coming at all. Many groups who are already at a disadvantage, including the young, the old and people on a low income, rely on those vital services to access healthcare, education and leisure. It is critical that we do not let them down. Will my hon. Friend assure me that we will do everything we can to ensure that those bus services run effectively?

[Mr Holden]

I thank my hon. Friend for his question. The Government know how important bus services are to local communities across the country, which is why we recently announced additional investment of £155 million not only to continue protecting those services but to ensure a three-month extension to the £2 cap on bus fares to help working people in places such as Blyth Valley who are getting out there every day. We want to help to address the cost of living crisis and encourage people back on to our network. We are committed to working with the sector to ensure that bus services reflect the needs of communities and deliver our ambition for everyone with access everywhere.