Bus services under threat as local authority cuts bite - report

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/11/bus-services-threat-local-authority-cuts-report

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Local bus networks that rely on public funding are at risk of collapse, campaigners have warned, as a report showed almost half of local authorities cutting spending and some likely to end financial support altogether next year.

The depletion of services, which has come on the back of central government cuts, is reaching a "watershed moment", according to the Campaign for Better Transport.

It has urged the government to take action as local authorities struggle to provide a full network across routes private operators deem commercially unviable, while meeting statutory demands to cover concessionary bus passes. Supported bus services serve communities where no alternative route exists, often in the evening or weekends – amounting to almost a quarter of bus services across England, and the majority of routes in some rural areas.

Martin Abrams of the Campaign for Better Transport said: "Cuts to bus services are now reaching critical levels. We have seen services lost year on year and with further deep cuts planned next year, some authorities may stop supporting buses altogether. This is a watershed moment. If government doesn't take action to help support buses we will see whole networks disappear."

Research in the campaigns report, Buses in Crisis, shows a total of £17m of cuts in English bus budgets this year, with cuts of £48m already announced for future years. Ten counties are making year-on-year cuts of more than 10%. About 47% of local authorities cut their spending on supporting bus services in 2013. Three – Southend, Darlington and Hartlepool – no longer support any bus services.

Campaigners warned that services could worsen quickly as many local authorities had deferred cuts to allow mandatory public consultations to be carried out.

Abrams added: "Politicians both locally and in Westminster need to understand how important buses are. They may not be as politically sexy as big transport projects but they make a significant difference to the economy, the environment and to wider society. It would be a disaster if whole networks were allowed to disappear."

More people use buses than all other modes of public transport combined, the report said.

The Local Government Association said councils were forced into cutting service by central cuts. Peter Box, chair of the LGA's economy and transport board, said: "Councils know how important local bus services are to their communities and have been working hard to protect them where possible. However, they are contending with 43% budget cuts, reductions to bus-related grants and the spiralling cost of the concessionary travel scheme, which government has never properly funded.

"Many councils simply can't afford to subsidise bus companies to operate unprofitable routes at the levels they once did."

Mary Creagh MP, Labour's shadow transport secretary, said the government was "forcing buses into a spiral of decline". She said: "Fares are up, passenger numbers are down and routes are being cut. Protecting bus services is crucial to supporting local communities and ensuring people can get to work, school and visit friends."

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "We recognise that local authorities are making difficult choices in a challenging climate. That is why despite the tough economic times we have protected bus spending as part of the last spending review.

"Local authorities are best placed to decide how to provide supported bus services – reflecting local needs and within available budgets."

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