This week it has been reported that the cuts to local bus services in North Yorkshire are the worst in the entire country. A total of 90 bus services have been cut, more than any other region.
These supported services may only represent 20% of bus services, but they are often the ones people and communities need most, where no alternative transport exists. It is important to remember that behind all the statistics there are long term human impacts in taking away people’s bus services. Many people have been effectively stranded following cuts to their bus service, unable to access jobs or public services, left in isolation with little contact with the outside world.
The Conservative candidate at the General Election, Julian Smith, wrings his hands but takes no responsibility for the 34% funding cut his government has forced upon North Yorkshire County Council. Meanwhile, he voted against taxing bankers' bonuses and homes valued over £2 million and has supported giving a tax cut to those on the highest incomes. It is clear whose side Mr Smith, the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats are on - the rich and the powerful.
The Labour Party would make different choices and believes in defending local public services. The majority of people depend on decent public services and we need to fight against this ideologically-driven attempt to roll back basic civil society.
These supported services may only represent 20% of bus services, but they are often the ones people and communities need most, where no alternative transport exists. It is important to remember that behind all the statistics there are long term human impacts in taking away people’s bus services. Many people have been effectively stranded following cuts to their bus service, unable to access jobs or public services, left in isolation with little contact with the outside world.
The Conservative candidate at the General Election, Julian Smith, wrings his hands but takes no responsibility for the 34% funding cut his government has forced upon North Yorkshire County Council. Meanwhile, he voted against taxing bankers' bonuses and homes valued over £2 million and has supported giving a tax cut to those on the highest incomes. It is clear whose side Mr Smith, the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats are on - the rich and the powerful.
The Labour Party would make different choices and believes in defending local public services. The majority of people depend on decent public services and we need to fight against this ideologically-driven attempt to roll back basic civil society.