Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 17
17
Not Addressed
Paragraph: 125
In supporting the development of strategic nationwide communications networks between urban centres, the Government must...
Recommendation
In supporting the development of strategic nationwide communications networks between urban centres, the Government must not overlook the importance to rural communities of hyper-local transport networks. Private car usage on well- maintained rural roads will of necessity continue to form a significant part of the overall UK transport mix. In its programme to encourage economic rebalancing and revival, the Government must also ensure that rural areas receive their share of investment in low-carbon transport and communications infrastructure, so as to bear down on levels of exhaust and tyre wear emissions while improving rural connectivity.
Government response summary AI-generated
The government details its investments and policies for decarbonising transport, including ending petrol/diesel car sales and funding EVs, but does not specifically address the importance of hyper-local transport networks or investment in low-carbon infrastructure for rural communities.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
125
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government · verbatim extract
Not Addressed
In March, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) published the first report on rural proofing which sets out what the Government is doing to take account of the specific needs and challenges facing rural communities. The Government is supporting rural public transport connectivity as part of its investment into national bus services, as outlined by the National Bus Strategy, published last month, and supported by £3 billion of investment. The Rural Mobility Fund supports on-demand transport trials in 17 rural and suburban areas to enhance accessibility and inclusion. The Government has agreed a £1 billion deal with the mobile network operators to deliver the Shared Rural Network. This will see operators collectively increase mobile phone coverage throughout the UK to 95% by the end of 2025. The Government has also committed £5 billion to support the rollout of gigabit connectivity in the hardest to reach areas, and are working with industry to target a minimum of 85% gigabit-capable coverage by 2025, seeking to accelerate rollout further to get as close to 100% as possible.
Read the full response on Parliament ↗