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Bus Services: East of England

Asked by Blake StephensonConservativeDepartment for TransportTabled Answered 7 July 2025UIN 64464

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the press release entitled Government pledges greater growth for the coach sector ahead of National Coach Week, published on 6 May 2025, whether she plans to take steps to support the coach sector in the East of England, in the context of the Universal UK theme park project.

Answered by Simon Lightwood

The Department recognises the important role the coach sector plays in connecting people and supporting economic growth. The UK coach sector was deregulated by the Transport Act 1980 and as such, services are operated on a commercial basis without receiving government funding.

It is for local authorities to review the needs of people and businesses in their area, including where development is planned, and consider how all modes of transport, including coaches, can meet those needs.

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