AQW 10034/17-22 Written question to the Minister for Infrastructure
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what steps her Department is taking to protect and maintain rural community transport services.
Asked by John Blair MLA on 10 November 2020
- Answered
- Written
- Tabled
- 10 November 2020
- Answer due by
- 25 November 2020
- Answered
- 23 November 202013 days after tabling
- Department
- Department for Infrastructure
- Priority question
- No
Answer
I recognise the important role that community transport plays and for that reason I have taken a number of steps to support Rural Community Transport Providers (RCTPs) during the COVID-19 response period. This included maintaining their grant funding for 2020 – 21 at 2019 - 20 levels, authorising the early release of 2019/20 retentions, along with Minister Poots, continued payment of Assisted Rural Travel Scheme and allocated £49k to the RCTPs to help cover costs of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
The period ahead will continue to be challenging, and I will continue to work collaboratively and innovatively in an effort to support and help ensure the long term viability of these organisations. I will do this reflecting on my priorities, the commitments in “New Decade: New Approach” and the budget available to me for the period ahead.