Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the merits of reforming the Cycle to Work Scheme to broaden access to (1) those earning at, or near, the National Minimum Wage, and (2) those who are self-employed.

The Government has committed over £2 billion of investment in cycling and walking during this Parliament to deliver on the commitments made in the ‘Gear Change’ walking and cycling strategy. This set out the Government’s vision for cycling and walking to be the natural first choice for many journeys, with the ambition that half of all short journeys in towns and cities will be walked or cycled by 2030. In line with this vision, the Department for Transport continues to publicise guidance for businesses, large and small, on the different ways they can promote cycling and walking, including the Cycle to Work Scheme.

It is encouraging that there has been an increased uptake of the Cycle to Work Scheme, particularly amongst key workers, over the last few years. Government officials are currently undertaking a programme of research to better understand the success of the Cycle to Work Scheme, including motivations for employees joining the Scheme. Any changes to the Scheme will be considered following this programme.