Labour MP for Oxford East, Anneliese Dodds has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, demanding urgent action to support local bus services. This comes following warnings by local bus operator Oxford Bus Company that services could be slashed by up to 30% as a result of continued low passenger numbers and uncertainty surrounding Government support after 1st April.

A copy of the letter can be found below.

Dear Chancellor of the Exchequer,

I write having received the attached letter and information from Phil Southall, Managing Director of the Oxford Bus Company which provides many absolutely essential public transport services in my constituency and the adjoining areas.  I would urge you to read it with care.

I would like to reiterate the extreme importance and urgency of the request from Mr Southall and his colleagues, and from other bus operators, for continued Government financial support after 1st April both to sustain vital bus services and to begin transforming them for the future.  I am deeply concerned that the Government has both delayed and greatly reduced the forthcoming transformation funding, breaking promises to communities over bus funding, and has not committed to any plan for bus funding between 1st April and the beginning of the transformation funding.

With services set to be cut imminently, I ask that you urgently provide certainty to communities to avoid services disappearing that are vital, especially for families with children, elderly and disabled people, and to protect and enhance our environment.

With best wishes,

Yours sincerely

Anneliese