News

Councils are facing massive increases in costs due to spiralling inflation and the increase in energy costs, the Local Government Association (LGA) are warning today.

By providing councils with new franchising powers they would be able to keep fares down, increase the number of local bus routes and make buses more attractive for everyone to use.

Councils have said the way the concessionary travel scheme is funded by Whitehall is unfit for purpose and prevents councils from investing in more reliable bus services.

“A renewed emphasis on supporting improving public transport as part of the Levelling Up White Paper is important and councils will be seeking more clarity on what this will mean in practice and how this will be funded so they can plan for the future."

“Autonomous Vehicles have potential to dramatically improve people’s quality of life, especially in areas where bus services struggle to support them. It is important the law keeps up with new technology and trends in the way we travel."

'Councils continue to work all day and night to support communities through the COVID-19 crisis but have faced extra cost pressures and significant income losses as a result, as this survey highlights.'

"Only long-term and consistent investment in local road maintenance can allow councils to embark on the widespread improvement of our roads that is desperately needed, to the benefit of all road users up and down the country."

“It would take almost £10 billion for councils to bring our local roads up to scratch. It is vital that the Spending Review provides the funding councils need to tackle the growing backlog of repairs which councils face.”

“Investing in cost-effective and resilient roads resurfacing, rather than retrospectively dealing with potholes, is a priority for councils."

Councils offer a variety of ways to pay for parking, and paying by phone can be a quick and convenient way to do so.