Source · Select Committees · Transport Committee
Recommendation 9
9
Deferred
Statutory duty for socially necessary services lacks funding and minimum provision requirements.
Conclusion
The Department has not made clear what specific improvements to local bus services it expects the duty to list socially necessary services to deliver. Designating a service as ‘socially necessary’ under an Enhanced Partnership will not automatically guarantee its long-term provision or trigger additional funding, nor will it necessarily improve the frequency and reliability of those services. Without a ring-fenced funding stream and a requirement for operators to commit to a minimum level of provision for socially necessary services, there is a risk that local authorities will not have any practical power to use the new duty to improve services. (Conclusion, Paragraph 48) 47
Government Response Summary
The government did not address concerns regarding the practical effectiveness of the duty to list socially necessary services due to a lack of ring-fenced funding or operator commitment. Instead, it outlined its commitment to supporting safe and accessible bus stops.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
The Government is committed to supporting LTAs in delivering bus stops that are safe and accessible. The funding secured at the recent Spending Review can be used to deliver better and more accessible bus stops. The Bus Services (No.2) Bill also includes measures that will require local authorities to pay regard to new statutory guidance on safety and accessibility when they provide new or upgrade existing bus stations and stops. The guidance will be developed collaboratively with stakeholders to facilitate safe and accessible journeys, as part of the Government’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity.