Disabled Bus Passes

Alison Bennett Excerpts

Thursday 10th July 2025 Commons Chamber

[Vikki Slade]

Will the Minister give way?

[Alison Bennett (Mid Sussex) (LD)]

Will the Minister give way?

[Simon Lightwood]

I did not hear who called out first, but I will give way to the hon. Member for Mid Sussex (Alison Bennett).

[Alison Bennett]

I thank the Minister for giving way, and my hon. Friend the Member for Mid Dorset and North Poole (Vikki Slade) for letting me take the Floor. I am pleased that the Minister has outlined the forthcoming integrated transport strategy.

Over 18 months ago, Wivelsfield railway station in my constituency was allocated funding to make both platforms step-free. That still has not happened. We are still waiting for an update, and I wonder whether the Minister could ask the Department to provide one.

[Simon Lightwood]

Under the previous Government, up to 50 stations were funded, with feasibility studies under the Access for All programme. I do not know whether the hon. Member’s station is part of that, but I am happy to take up that subject outside the Chamber.

We also know that these plans will be backed up with funding. That is why the Budget allocated more than £1 billion to local bus services for 2025-26, including £12.5 million for York and North Yorkshire combined authority. Funding allocated to local authorities to improve bus services can be used to fund discretionary enhancements to the ENCTS, and we have reaffirmed our commitment through the funding allocated as part of the spending review.