Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 8
8
Deferred
Rural bus service recovery remains challenging, requiring LTA-led improvements
Conclusion
We asked the Department what action it is taking to support rural areas which have seen significant cuts to bus services and poor performance, leaving would-be passengers stranded.13 The Department acknowledged that the recovery in bus usage was particularly challenging in rural areas. It told us it was up to local transport authorities to refine their bus service improvement plans and to work with bus operators to reverse the decline in performance.14 The Department described its role as supporting and empowering local transport authorities to make the best use of their bus funding and decision-making powers.15
Government Response Summary
The government's response discusses animal vaccine availability, research, and future plans, including an action plan by late 2026, completely unrelated to the recommendation on rural bus services.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. vaccine availability outlines a strategic framework for cross-sector action. VMD is continuing cross-sector engagement to identify ways to improve supply and enable future innovation (involving government, pharmaceutical manufacturers, vet groups and broader animal health community). A five-year multi-stakeholder Action Plan will be published late 2026. Defra will work with VMD as the plan is developed. In parallel, mitigations for urgent availability issues are being identified and actioned. Action has already been taken to secure animal vaccine supply to the UK. For example, in 2024, Defra worked with manufacturers, industry and the VMD to expedite emergency use of a Bluetongue 3 vaccine and subsequently to manage supply challenges. Defra supported the joint industry-government avian influenza vaccine taskforce (the Taskforce) to look at the emerging use of HPAI vaccines. A report published by the Taskforce on 24 July 2025 provisionally recommends a future species-specific vaccination strategy, and a trial in turkeys. The Taskforce has committed to publish a subsequent report in Summer 2026. In relation to vaccine development work for Bovine TB, an application for approval of the Cattle BCG vaccine was made in September 2025 and is being assessed by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate according to published timelines. APHA continues work towards generation of data for the bovine TB cattle vaccine skin test which involves a commercial contract and tender exercise.