Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 19 June 2025 to Question 59415 on Business: Market Towns, whether he has made an assessment with the Secretary of State for Transport on the potential impact of rural public transport on high street (a) footfall and (b) business viability in North Shropshire constituency.

The government believes that local leaders, working with bus operators, are best placed to make decisions around the provision of local bus services. The government has confirmed £955m for the 2025/26 financial year to introduce new bus routes, make services more frequent and protect crucial bus routes for local communities, including in rural areas. This includes £243m for bus operators and £712m to local authorities across the country, of which Shropshire Council has been allocated £4.4m.

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to bus services in this Spending Review by confirming around £900m each year from 2026/27 to maintain and improve vital bus services. Improved bus routes and connectivity will increase access to local high streets improving footfall and business viability in North Shropshire.

North Shropshire high street businesses are supported by the Marches Growth Hub which provides businesses of all sizes and sectors across Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin with advice and support throughout the business journey.