No extra Government funding for local bus services

4.43.23pm GMT Thu 13th Jul 2006

A Government Minister has said that no extra funding will be made available for local bus services in Poole and Dorset.

During a debate led by local MP Annette Brooke, Transport Minister Gillian Merron threw the ball firmly back in the court of Poole Unitary Council and Dorset County Council.

After Annette had questioned the Minister on the level of funding available for local bus services, Ms Merron said:

"Many authorities are already working hard to try to address such issues as part of their local transport plan, for which they are funded well. It is important that local authorities work closely with local bus operators to get things right. I hope that the hon. Lady will urge her local authority to do so."

The Minister was highly critical of Dorset County Council:

"The local authority failed to submit successful bids for funds that were available to it, and are available up and down the country. It is important that [Annette Brooke] and her constituents should be aware of the extra Government funding that could have been available. The local authority could have successfully applied for that funding, but did not."

Commenting on the Government's response, Annette Brooke said:

"An adequate level of bus service is crucial for our local communities. I will continue to work with the bus company and the local authorities, but it is clear that there will be no more help from central Government."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Annette Brooke led an adjournment debate in the House of Commons entitled 'Funding of bus services in Mid Dorset and North Poole constituency' on Monday 10th July 2006.