A response from Cllr Lucy Nethsingha – Leader of Cambridgeshire County Council and Cllr Elisa Meschini – Deputy Leader of Cambridgeshire County Council.
As the Joint Administration of the County Council, we are focussed upon delivering a fairer, greener and more caring Cambridgeshire, including the encouragement of more accessible, affordable and sustainable travel options. Ensuring that public transport can create a more connected and inclusive county, addressing deep rooted inequalities and improving wellbeing, is essential. This has never been more important than today, when the cost of living continues to spiral upwards, including increases in fuel and energy costs, that's why improving bus services for Cambridgeshire is vital.
Consequently, we were extremely disappointed to learn about the Government's decision earlier this week not to award funding for the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Bus Strategy Improvement Plan. Years of austerity related cuts leave our vital public services, including transport, chronically under-funded. This is only compounded by the continued application of outdated Government funding arrangements which do not fully reflect the rapid growth, size and complexity of the county's population or its needs.
We will support the Combined Authority by making our own urgent representations to Government about this issue, as we continue to champion Cambridgeshire’s case to receive the essential funding it needs to improve and enhance the quality of life across all parts of the county.
