Welsh Lib Dems set challenge for WAG on Transport Funding. (Kirsty Williams AM )

Cymraeg
English

Kirsty Williams AM <info@kirstywilliams.org.uk>

Welsh Lib Dems set challenge for WAG on Transport Funding.

June 25, 2008 8:00 AM

Speaking ahead of the Welsh Liberal Democrat debate on bus services, Kirsty Williams, Welsh Lib Dem spokesperson for Transport said that she was using Wednesday's debate to give the Assembly Government an opportunity to announce the assignment of the long overdue Local Transport Services Grant to Local Authorities.

Bus passengers and community transport users benefited from the £10.4m of funding allocated to the LTSG in February 2007-2008, but the allocation of this year's money is nearly five months overdue, which means that Councils across Wales are having to run bus services on the assumption that the money will be assigned some time this year.

Kirsty Williams, Brecon and Radnorshire AM said:

"By having this debate on bus services, we are giving the Assembly Government an opportunity to make an announcement to allocate this money that bus services all across Wales rely on. We are nearly five months into the financial year and Councils are running buses services on the hope they will receive this money.

"Officials have been saying that this announcement will be made soon but there is still no sign of it. This money is vital for sustaining the important transport infrastructure of many communities across Wales. In my own County of Powys, 40% of the Council's local bus service budget comes from the Local Transport Services Grant.

"We all know the importance of public transport - many in our communities are dependant on the bus network to get around, others need to be encouraged to leave their cars at home sometimes and take the bus instead in order to try to cut down on the harmful emissions that are damaging our environment.

"The Assembly Government needs to put its money where its mouth is and show that it is committed to a cleaner and greener public transport system and stop delaying this allocation for Local Authorities.

"I urge the Assembly Government to see this debate an as opportunity to make the announcement and make this money available to Councils so that they are not taking a gamble on their transport grant allocation."

Notes:

· Two weeks ago, the Assembly Government made an unexpected announcement to set aside and additional £5 million to its mortgage rescue scheme at the beginning of the week where the Welsh Liberal Democrats called for better protection for homeowners from repossession in their Assembly debate

· In their debate on bus service on Wednesday 25th, the Welsh Liberal Democrats will also highlight the Bus Services Operator's Grant and the Concessionary Bus Scheme and difficulties in crossing the border with England.

Welsh Liberal Democrat debate:

Item 7: Welsh Liberal Democrats Debate (60 mins)

NDM3973 Kirsty Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

Believes that the Welsh Assembly Government is failing to realise the potential of buses in developing an integrated and sustainable transport network.

The following amendment has been tabled:

Amendment - William Graham (South Wales East)

Add as new point at end of motion:

"Believes that local authorities should be encouraged to introduce integrated public transport passes to allow people to utilise buses, trains, and community transport."

Local Transport Services Grant - The Local transport Services Grant provides funding for Local Authorities to finance a range of transport initiatives. The grant can be used to enhance existing transport schemes, introduce new services, funding the implementation of new community transport services and capital works such as improvement to bus shelters, transport information and enhancing accessibility through the purchase of low floor buses.