The LGA's media office provides the national voice of local government in England and Wales on the major issues of the day for national, regional and local press.
Bus services which are vital in getting health and care staff and other key workers to the frontline during the coronavirus outbreak will struggle to survive without emergency rescue funding, the Local Government Association says today.
The LGA, which represents councils, is concerned that some bus companies and services will not be able to survive the crisis, as the number of passengers has fallen sharply – in some places 75 per cent - with most people now rightly staying safe at home.
It wants to work with government on an emergency funding package for buses and council-run public
"It is essential that councils can use this new funding to protect services and reverse the reductions in local bus routes forced on local authorities from the £700 million annual funding gap councils face in providing the concessionary fares scheme."
“Local bus services can be a lifeline to older and vulnerable residents and can also play a key role in tackling congestion and reducing greenhouse gases"
Councils are on the side of all road users, fixing a pothole every 17 seconds and want to work with government to tackle our national road repairs backlog.
“Councils are playing a pivotal role in tackling air pollution to improve people’s health and quality of life, including working with schools to set up car free streets to prevent engine idling."
“To further tackle air pollution, the Government needs to use the Queen’s Speech to give councils more powers, like the ability for them all to enforce moving traffic offences."