The Campaign for Better Transport (CBT) is urging people to write to their MPs to stand up for their bus services.
The Government has announced the details of the next Spending Review for 2015/16 budgets, which will be published on 26th June. There are plans for an additional £3bn of capital spending, funded through cuts to revenue spending. The Government’s large capital spending projects on HS2 and toll roads will not provide the boost that is needed right now in local areas. There is a £10.5bn backlog of potholes which have a significant impact on the local economy. The CBT backs a Road Repair and Renewal Fund.
There have already been impacts on bus funding by local councils, with cuts to subsidies and non-statutory public transport provision. The Local Government Association says there is ‘a gap opening up on the demand for services and funding available to provide them’.
This will have an impact particularly on low income earners and families who are already feeling the squeeze on their disposable income. The CBT are campaigning for green transport investments that promotes economic growth and does not have a negative impact on the neediest in society.
You can get further information on how to stop cuts to bus services at the Campaign for Better Transport website.