This Government is a government focused on investment in infrastructure and revolutionising the public transport system. It was announced this week that there would be a massive programme of investment in local transport, starting with £5 billion of new investment in buses and cycling with more revealed in next week's budget.
After his statement I sought assurance from the Prime Minister that the funding provided to local authorities for these projects will be ring-fenced. Watch our exchange below.
Huw Merriman
"The additional £5 billion for buses and cycle links is greatly welcome. Last year, the Select Committee on Transport called for additional funding for buses and a buses strategy, both of which are coming to fruition. How will the Prime Minister ensure that the money allocated to local authorities for these projects is spent by local authorities on these projects? Will it be ring-fenced and, if not, how will we really ensure that we are levelling up our public transport system?"
The Prime Minister
"I congratulate my hon. Friend on the work he does for his community. I can assure him that we will ensure that when money is allocated for buses or cycling projects, it is spent on buses and cycling projects."