Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Transport

Oral Answers to Questions

Laurence Turner Excerpts
Thursday 11th September 2025

(1 day, 19 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Heidi Alexander Portrait Heidi Alexander
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I am very aware of the problems relating to Hammersmith bridge, and I know the Minister hosted that first meeting of the resurrected Hammersmith bridge taskforce. I do have some good news for my hon. Friend: we announced in the spending review a structures fund, to assist local authorities with repairs to bridges and tunnels that are beyond their financial capacity to fund. We will set out the criteria for access to that fund in due course.

Laurence Turner Portrait Laurence Turner (Birmingham Northfield) (Lab)
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Half the bus sector’s funding now comes from public sources, but during the summer, National Express announced changes to bus services in my constituency with just two weeks’ public notice, which will have a really negative effect on residents in New Frankley, Allens Cross and Bournville Gardens Village retirement home. Does the Minister agree that when regulation is brought in—which is welcome—consultation must be included?

Simon Lightwood Portrait Simon Lightwood
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I agree wholeheartedly. It is really important that local people are engaged when designing a network and making changes to it.