Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make it her policy to allocate funding to support transport (a) infrastructure and (b) services in West Dorset constituency in the Autumn Budget 2025.

This government recognises the challenges people face when it comes to transport provision in regions which are predominantly rural, like West Dorset.

That is why we are providing £2.2 billion of Local Transport Grant capital funding over 4 years to local authorities for spending on local transport enhancements and maintenance. Dorset Council will receive over £15 million up to 2029/30 inclusive, including over £2.1 million in 2026/27.

This will enable local leaders to support transport schemes in line with their key local priorities, including improvements to public transport for both urban and rural areas and making local streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

We will also be providing in the region of £900m per year to maintain and improve vital bus services. We will announce allocations for each local authority shortly.