Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on additional financial support for the community coach and minibus sector during the covid-19 outbreak.

The Government has announced a range of measures available to support UK businesses, including coach and minibus companies. These measures include the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (furlough) and loan schemes such as the Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) and the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).

On 5 January, the Chancellor announced a further £500 million of locally-administered Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) funding to support businesses that are not legally required to close, but which are nonetheless experiencing a severe impact on their business due to the national lockdown. Coach and minibus companies could benefit from this funding, and are encouraged to contact their local authority for more information.

The Department for Transport continues to work with transport sector representatives and with other government departments to keep support for transport operators under review.