Over two evidence sessions on Tuesday 27 November the House of
Lords Select Committee on the Rural Economy will ask witnesses what
impact poor access to public transport has on the rural economy and
what is being done to tackle rural crime.
Buses are the most significant form of public
transport in rural communities but cuts to public transport, and
the erosion of local services in recent years, has caused
problems for accessibility with a wider knock on effect on rural
economies. The Committee will ask what more can be done to
support the travel needs of people in rural areas.
In the second session the Committee will ask
witnesses about the particular challenges facing police in the
fight against rural crime, and whether police forces in rural
areas are adequately equipped to deal with county lines and of
criminal activities.
The first evidence session will begin at 9:45
in Committee room 1 of the House of Lords, giving evidence will
be:
-
Mr Ben Colson, Chair, Bus
Users UK
-
Mr Darren Shirley, CEO,
Campaign for Better Transport
-
Mr John Birtwistle, Head of
Policy - UK Bus, FirstGroup plc
Other questions the Committee are likely to ask
include:
-
What are the options for young people living in
rural areas who need to travel to apprenticeships, jobs or
further education?
-
What role does the charity and voluntary sector
play in the delivery of transport services?
-
Is the charity and voluntary sector expanding
services or simply filling gaps where the statutory and private
sector has pulled out?
-
What are the main pressures that commercial bus
providers face when providing services to rural
areas?
The second session will begin at 10:45
and will cover topics
including
-
Ms , Chair, National
Rural Crime Network
-
Deputy Chief Constable Craig
Naylor, Lead for Rural Crime, National Police Chiefs’
Council
Other questions the Committee are likely to
ask include:
-
What impact have funding cuts had on the ability of
rural police forces to effectively manage the caseload in rural
areas?
-
What level of coordination is there among police
forces when it comes to tackling rural crime?
-
Is there a gap between the perception or fear of
crime and the reality of crime in rural areas?
-
Are there emerging technological solutions that
will help address rural crime?
