Spending Review response from Campaign for Better Transport

Responding to today’s Spending Review, Norman Baker, from Campaign for Better Transport, said:

“We welcome today’s announcement of a Levelling Up Fund and changes to the Green Book and hope that both will encourage more sustainable transport projects in the areas that need them most. We are disappointed that there was no mention of a long-term funding settlement for buses, or specific support for local authorities to invest in sustainable transport, both of which are needed to ensure councils and operators can plan for a transport future post-Covid.

“The failure today to announce a rail fare freeze is a huge disappointment to the millions of passengers looking to return to workplaces in the new year. To encourage people to get back on the train we need a fare freeze and flexible season tickets for people returning to workplaces part time. Without these incentives people will simply stay home, further damaging the economy, or drive to work, causing more congestion, more pollution and undoing years of work tackling climate change.

“The Government now has a number of key taxation decisions to make at the next budget, including on the future of fuel duty and road user charging, if it wants to support its green ambitions.”