Laura Sharman 14 October 2016

Amendment to Bus Bill ‘step in right direction’ for councils

Council chiefs have welcomed an amendment to the Buses Bill, saying it is the first step towards giving all areas the right to franchising.

Yesterday, the House of Lords voted to remove the need for councils to ask the Government for approval for franchising powers in the Bus Services Bill’s Report Stage debate.

The Local Government Association (LGA) backed the amendment but warned the Bill doesn’t go far enough to protect local bus provision.

Cllr Martin Tett, transport spokesman for the LGA, said: ‘This is significant step in the right direction for councils. The LGA has campaigned hard to persuade the Government that, to improve bus provision throughout the country, all areas need the automatic rights to franchising, rather than just those with directly-elected mayors, as has been proposed. Having to apply to the Secretary of State could mean lengthy delays for councils.

‘However, while the Bill simplifies the franchising process and introduces new opportunities for innovative partnerships, for example between councils and bus operators, it will not by itself overcome the major challenges facing most councils in their efforts to protect local bus provision.

The LGA is also calling on the Government to fully fund the concessionary fares scheme.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recuriter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recuriter: Hull City Council

Strategic Director, Finance and Resources (S.151 Officer)

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
£110,799 - £120,706
Blackburn with Darwen is a distinctive, welcoming and vibrant borough with a strong identity and a genuine buzz about the place. Blackburn, Lancashire
Recuriter: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Residential Worker, Edge of Care Service

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 PAY AWARD PENDING
Join a Groundbreaking Team Supporting Families in Seaham Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Bikeability Cycling Instructor

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £24,790 to £25,992 pro rata (Pay Award Pending)
The Road Safety Team are keen to recruit additional Casual Bikability Instructors to join our team of instructors delivering Bikeability cycle trainin Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner