Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to improve access to train services in North Shropshire.

We have allocated over £8 million to Shropshire in 2025/26 to maintain and enhance local transport infrastructure, including the roads, public transport, and active travel connection to rail stations. This is delivered through the £6.78 million of Local Transport Grant and £1.64 million of Integrated Transport Block funding. This figure is in addition to the highways payment and any bus funding Shropshire has received separately.

Shropshire Unitary Authority have been allocated £659,352 under the Consolidated Active Travel Fund (CATF) for the financial year 2025/26. The CATF supports authorities with developing and constructing walking, wheeling and cycling facilities.

The government is committed to delivering better bus services for passengers. In the Budget, the government confirmed investment of over £1 billion to support and improve bus services, and keep fares affordable in England outside London, including in rural areas. Shropshire Council has been allocated £4.4 million of this funding in 25/26.

This level of government funding will help improve access to railway stations in North Shropshire. Ultimately, however, funding decisions are a matter for local authorities, based on local needs and priorities.