Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Simon Lightwood and Sarah Pochin

Thursday 16th July 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sarah Pochin (Runcorn and Helsby) (Reform)]

2. What plans her Department has for improving transport connectivity in Runcorn and Helsby constituency.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Simon Lightwood)]

We are empowering local leaders with unprecedented powers and funding to deliver the transport improvements that will best connect their communities. We have allocated £1 billion of local transport funding to the Liverpool city region, and £420 million to Cheshire and Warrington. Thanks to this funding, local leaders can prioritise bus improvements, road repairs, and better cycling and walking routes for their constituents.

[Sarah Pochin]

It has been a year since I started raising the issue of the Mersey tolls creating barriers to growth and prosperity in Runcorn and Helsby. Despite my asking questions, sending letters, meeting with Ministers and campaigning alongside local residents and businesses, the Government still refuse to consider support for businesses south of the Mersey, which are unfairly penalised simply because of their geography. Will the Minister now reconsider helping those who are affected with subsidies for businesses in Runcorn?

[Simon Lightwood]

The hon. Lady and I met in October to discuss the tolls on the Mersey Gateway. As she is aware, these charges are the responsibility of Halton borough council. Thanks to funding already provided by the Department, residents of Halton can register a vehicle to use the crossings for personal journeys, free of charge, for an annual fee of £12. Businesses and constituents have benefited greatly from the construction of the Mersey Gateway bridge, which was only made possible thanks to the toll income and our annual grant.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Simon Lightwood and Sarah Pochin

Thursday 8th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Simon Lightwood]

Access to opportunity, including education, is of course a top priority for this Government. Our Bus Services Act 2025 and the multi-year funding allocations, including over £30 million for Cornwall, will help improve vital connections. I very much welcome the opportunity to meet my hon. Friend, which I believe will be next week.

[Sarah Pochin (Runcorn and Helsby) (Reform)]

17. What recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of public transport services in the Runcorn and Helsby constituency.