Business of the House

Polly Billington Excerpts

Thursday 31st October 2024 Commons Chamber

[Lucy Powell]

I thank the hon. Member for that question. As he will be aware, yesterday we announced additional funds for road and other infrastructure, which will play an important role. We will deliver an updated strategic framework for road safety shortly, and I will ensure that Ministers come to the House regularly to report on that.

[Ms Polly Billington (East Thanet) (Lab)]

My right hon. Friend will be aware of how much coastal communities such as mine depend on bus services, not least to get to vital healthcare, and I am grateful to the Chancellor for finding the money to retain a cap on bus fares. In east Kent, however, our orthopaedic centre is in Canterbury, yet there is now no direct bus service from Ramsgate or Broadstairs, making access harder for the very people with mobility issues who need such services. Will the Leader of the House find Government time to debate access to healthcare via sustainable, reliable, safe and affordable transport?

[Lucy Powell]

That is an excellent question, and I am glad that my hon. Friend has raised the issue of the bus cap. She will be aware that the Conservatives budgeted for the cap to last only until December, and it is this Government that have extended it, albeit at £3, beyond that date. We will bring forward further bus regulation to ensure that local areas such as hers, and neighbouring authorities, can once again take control of bus routes, fares and timetabling to meet the needs of their communities.