Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 12
12
Deferred
Improve rural Scotland transport provision, integrate services, and ensure timely, cost-effective vessel delivery.
Recommendation
Given the continued problems the Scottish Government have faced progressing improvements to vital roads and ferry infrastructure, the Scottish Government should work together with the UK Government and local authorities to improve the provision of transport across rural Scotland. The Scottish Government should look to coordinate the operators of these services more rigorously to ensure that timetables Cost of living: impact on rural communities in Scotland 29 are more integrated and meet the needs of people in these communities. Transport investment turbocharges the UK’s net zero ambitions and economic growth, and we welcome the action taken by both Governments to tackle this. The Committee shares the anger and frustration of affected communities by the ongoing failure of the Scottish Government to deliver two lifeline ferries which are so far six years late and £250 million over budget. Both Governments should work together to ensure mistakes are not repeated and that timely and cost-effective delivery of vessels happens in the future. (Paragraph 82) 30 Cost of living: impact on rural communities in Scotland
Government Response Summary
The government notes the recommendation but states that transport policy is a devolved matter for the Scottish Government, which receives record funding through the block grant. It will continue to monitor the issue through the Islands Forum and encourage the Scottish Government.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
72. The Government notes this recommendation, and recognises the importance of transport investment in both supporting local communities and delivering on the UK’s net zero and economic growth ambitions. 73. The UK Government also recognises that transport policy is a devolved matter, and therefore remains the responsibility of the Scottish Government. To support the Scottish Government in delivering on this core responsibility, the UK Government has provided the Scottish Government with record funding through the block grant in order to support and improve transport infrastructure across Scotland. 74. The UK Government is also monitoring the issue of transport connectivity closely through the Islands Forum, and subsequently through the Task & Finish Group (as set out above). The UK Government will continue to, where possible and appropriate, support and encourage the Scottish Government in improving rural transport across Scotland through the initiatives set out above.