I was disappointed that Cumbria was not included in this recent tranche of bus funding. It is vital that Local Government works together with Central Government, bus providers and communities to increase these vital lifeline rural bus services. As part of my ‘Better Connectivity’ campaign I have been calling on the government to provide the necessary funds for improvements to services. I was therefore pleased last year to see that on top of the government’s £3 billion National Bus Strategy which will benefit areas like Cumbria, Cumbria County Council received an additional £1.5 million to enhance provision as part of the Rural Mobility Fund. I implore the Council to use this, and other funds, to provide the best services possible. It is vital that the Labour-Lib Dem County Council reverse their decision not to use Central Government funds to subsidise commercial services. I continue to raise these issues in the House of Commons and with Ministers.
