Month: September 2024

Electoral Commission calls for improvements to voter ID accessibility

‘our research shows that the need for ID discouraged some people from voting‘

Almost everyone who attended a polling station at the July 2024 UK general election was able to vote, according to a new report on the implementation of voter ID from the Electoral Commission.

0.09% of people who tried to vote at a polling station in Scotland, where the requirement was in place nationally for the first time, were unable to do so because they did not present an accepted form of ID.

The data, collected by polling station staff, suggests that around 1,400 people in Scotland were unable to vote in July due to the requirement, equating to about 1 in every 1,100 in-person voters.  

Commission research carried out by YouGov found high levels of awareness, with 90% of people in Scotland aware of the requirement following a widespread public information campaign ahead of the election. This was slightly higher than awareness in Wales (89%), England (87%), and Northern Ireland (89%), where the requirement has been in place since 2003.

However, public opinion research carried out for the Commission found that around 5% of people who did not vote at the general election in Scotland said their decision was related to the voter ID requirement, suggesting that the requirement is putting off some people from voting.

The Commission is therefore recommending changes to make it easier for those who do not already have ID to vote. The UK Government should:

  • Review the list of accepted ID to identify any additional documents that could be added, such as the Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card and the 18+ Student Oyster photocard, in addition to the Veterans card.
  • Undertake and publish a review of the Voter Authority Certificate and consider whether it could be issued digitally to encourage greater take up.
  • Enable registered voters who do have accepted ID to make an attestation at their polling station on behalf of someone who does not have accepted ID – known as ‘vouching’.

Andy O’Neill, Head of Electoral Commission Scotland, said: “This was the first time that voters across Scotland were required to show photographic ID to vote at a polling station, and the data shows almost everyone was able to do so successfully. However, our research shows that the need for ID discouraged some people from voting – and we don’t want to see any voters lose their say.

“Public awareness of the need for voter ID is high in Scotland, but there are still groups of voters that are less likely to be aware of the need to show ID or that do not have an accepted form.

“Everyone eligible should have the opportunity to vote, which is why we are recommending changes that will support those who do not currently have ID and improve the accessibility of elections, while maintaining the security of the process.

“The Commission will review how our public campaigns and other work can continue to support the effective implementation of voter ID and minimise the barriers to voting.”

The Commission’s independent analysis, compiling polling station data and public opinion research from across Scotland, found: 

  • 0.24% of people who went to vote at a polling station were initially turned away, but two thirds of these people returned later in the day and were able to vote. The remaining 0.09% did not return and did not vote.
  • 90% of people were aware of the voter ID policy, though awareness was lower amongst young people (83%), and people from ethnic minority communities (79%).
  • 57% of people said they were aware they could apply for a Voter Authority Certificate if they did not have an accepted form of ID.
  • 11,356 people applied for a Voter Authority Certificate between January 2023, when the service first launched, and 26 June 2024, the application deadline for the UK general election. Applications were lower than expected with only 7,716 being submitted between the election being called and the deadline. Around 4,552 certificates were used as a form of ID on 4 July.
  • The evidence suggests that the requirement affected some people more than others. People from lower social grades who did not vote were more likely to say it was because they did not have any accepted ID than those in a higher social grade.

The Commission will continue to monitor which groups are less likely to have access to the required proof of ID and assess how our campaign activity can best reach these groups.

World Suicide Prevention Day: Expert shares tips on how to help someone showing signs they might try to end their life

A LEADING wellbeing expert has shared her advice on how to best support someone showing signs of ending their life.

Lynn Crilly’s advice comes ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day which takes place on Tuesday September 10.

Over 5,600 people committed suicide in England in 2023, equivalent to over 11 suicides per 100,000 people. 

And with mental health services under huge strain it’s feared numbers could be even higher in 2024.

Mental health crusader Ms Crilly, a counsellor and author, whose books include Hope with Depression: a self-help guide for those affected and their families, friends and carers, warned we are currently in the midst of a major crisis. 

But she added: “Most people who feel suicidal do not want death, they just want the pain to stop. So the most powerful thing you can do is be there for them, showing that you care that that their life matters, and helping them find an alternative way forward.”

Highlighting the clues to look for, she continued: “Most people who attempt suicide will give some clue or warning, so it is vital to take those clues seriously, even if they are said casually.

“They may talk or write about death or harming themselves, or they may seek out things that could be used to take their own life, such as weapons or drugs. However, there may be more subtle signs: hopelessness, self-loathing and self-destructive behaviour should all be taken seriously.

“Be alert also to those who seem to be getting their affairs in order or saying goodbye to people as if they will not be seen again. It sounds obvious, but all too often the clues are missed.”

Explaining how best to react if you spot any of the signs, Lynn, who is also currently producing a film called A Day With An Eating Disorder, continued: “If you spot any of these signs and are worried about someone you care about, it is natural to question whether you should say something.

“ But the best way to find out is to ask them. Showing you care will not push someone towards suicide, rather it will give them an opportunity to voice their fears and feelings which could in turn help them to see that there is another way forward.

“While talking is crucial, so is listening. Allow your friend or loved one to unload their despair and listen without judgement, remaining calm and accepting of how they feel. Reassure them that help is available and tell them how important they are to you.  Avoid arguing with them or appearing shocked.”

Outlining where to best direct those who might be suffering Lynn added: “Help them to find professional help and be proactive in keeping in touch with them – do not wait for them to call or expect them to ask for help.

“Instead, be in touch often and continue to be supportive in the long term, even if the immediate crisis appears to have passed. Help them to come up with a plan to follow if they feel suicidal thoughts descend.

“This may include identifying their main triggers, as well as what may help them to fight through those difficult feelings. The plan could also include a clear list of contact numbers for friends and family who can help in an emergency, as well as details of their doctor or therapist. If you are worried that there is an urgent danger that they may commit suicide, phone their doctor or dial 999.”

Charity website https://www.sane.org.uk/ is a good source of information, with helplines and other ways to get the support  about how to help someone who is having suicidal thoughts.

To mark World Suicide Prevention Day, Lynn’s daughter Samantha, a poet and actress, has shared these words:

DEAR SUICIDE

By

Samantha Crilly

If we fly away together, can we go as high as we can

So far away we’ll lose sight of this land

I must admit it scares me ever so slightly

I know life on this earth isn’t given out lightly

You’ve said it will be peaceful where we’ll end up

however, I’ve been told here many times I have too much to give up

I hope you’re not lying as word says you’re a thief

Wearing a mask of purity to cover the muck underneath

You’ve made me swear not to listen to tomorrow

But it keeps telling me love still has time to grow

That there is happiness down here still waiting for me

That one day I will have the strength to set myself free

So therefore, I’ve decided to pull out of our deal

I know I’m worth so much more than how you feel

goodbye, I hope you keep your thoughts to yourself

and I’m looking forward to sharing tomorrow with everyone else.

Charity welcomes Scotland’s approval of treatment on the NHS for children with rare brain tumours

Children in Scotland diagnosed with a brain tumour that has a specific genetic mutation can now be treated on the NHS with a kinder, more effective targeted therapy. 

The Scottish Medicines Consortium has today approved prescribing dabrafenib to treat children aged one and above who have been diagnosed with a low- or high-grade glioma that has the BRAF V600E mutation: https://scottishmedicines.org.uk/medicines-advice/dabrafenib-finlee-full-smc2667/

It’s used in combination with another medicine, trametinib, and both can be administered at home as they are taken orally. This means fewer hospital visits. 

The news follows the approval given in April this year by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). 

Current standard treatment for the condition typically involves surgery – where that’s possible – chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. But less than 30% of children diagnosed with high-grade gliomas survive for five years or more and the treatment often has brutal side effects.  

Outcomes for low grade gliomas – the most common childhood brain tumour – are better at a 90% survival rate following surgery. But chemotherapy may also be prescribed whereas this treatment means improved quality of life for patients as clinical trials showed its side effects were rare.  

The combination medication is the first targeted treatment to be made available on the NHS for paediatric gliomas. It is already licensed for use in the USA, and for use in the UK in adults with the BRAF mutation who have some types of lung and skin cancers. 

The two drugs work together to block the growth signal coming from the mutant BRAF protein, slowing or even stopping the tumour from growing.  

Brain tumours affect around 500 children a year in the UK, of whom between 150 to 175 may have a glioma and fewer still will have the BRAF mutation. But despite the small numbers involved, this is the first progress made in treating the disease in years. 

In 2008, research carried out by Dr David Jones which was funded by The Brain Tumour Charity (then known as the Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust), identified a BRAF mutation that was common in pilocytic astrocytoma brain tumours. 

This was the first time that a specific genetic change had been detected in these tumour types and it paved the way for drug development as it could then become a target for diagnostic tests, changing the research landscape for low grade brain tumours in children. 

Dr Jones now leads the EVEREST Centre in Germany, which carries out research into paediatric low grade brain tumours. 

Dr Michele Afif, Chief Executive at The Brain Tumour Charity, said: “We are delighted that the Scottish Medicines Consortium has joined NICE in approving the first new treatment for paediatric brain tumours in decades.

“We hope that this will be the first of many new treatments that will ensure our community can live longer and better lives.” 

To find out more about The Brain Tumour Charity, visit:

www.thebraintumourcharity.org/]www.thebraintumourcharity.org/ 

Primrose Street murder: Two brothers convicted

Two men have been convicted following the death of a 59-year-old man in Leith.

The body of Garry O’Neill was found in a flat on Primrose Street on Tuesday, 6 June, 2023.

At the High Court in Edinburgh today – Monday, 9 September, 2024 – Jamie Boulton, aged 55, was found guilty of murder following the death of Mr O’Neill.

Nathan Boulton (above), aged 49, was found guilty of attempting to defeat the ends of justice.

They will be sentenced at a later date.

Detective Inspector Kevin Tait, senior investigating officer, said: “Our thoughts are with Mr O’Neill’s family and friends and we hope that the result in court brings them a degree of closure.

“This was a deliberate act that ended in a death and Jamie Boulton will now face the consequences of his actions that day.

“His brother Nathan Boulton, now faces justice after he tried to conceal what happened.

“We would like to thank the public for their assistance and support during our investigation.

“Violence is not acceptable in our society and Police Scotland will use all the tools it has to investigate and bring those intent on committing crime and harm in our communities to justice.”

Campaign urges drivers in Edinburgh to slow down as 1 in 5 deaths on Scotland’s roads caused by speeding

The Scottish Government, including the Scottish Safety Camera Programme, is tackling speeding on Scotland’s roads with a new road safety campaign, asking drivers in Edinburgh to slow down to help reduce collisions and casualties.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, and Police Scotland’s Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan launched the campaign at the Traffic Scotland National Control Centre in South Queensferry.

With speeding contributing to 1 in 5 deaths on Scotland’s roads1, safety cameras play a crucial role in reducing speed and casualties, ultimately saving lives.

Global research shows that camera sites led to 42% less fatal or serious injuries over a four-year period, while fixed camera sites reduced the number of speeders by 70% in the same time period.2

Speeding increases the likelihood and severity of collisions and casualties. In 2022, there were 615 fatalities or casualties on roads in Edinburgh.

Transport and Environment Convener at the City of Edinburgh Council, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson, said: “This is a really important campaign to ensure drivers here in Edinburgh and across the country properly consider their driving behaviour. By slowing down and driving more carefully we can reduce collisions and casualties on our roads.

“All drivers need to respect speed limits and always consider how weather and road conditions can impact their driving. 

“We want Edinburgh to be as safe a city as possible for all road users and pedestrians and this campaign is a good step forward.”

Nearly half (44%) of reported casualties on Scotland’s roads take place on rural roads, however because speeds are higher on these roads, they account for almost three-quarters (74%) of road deaths.3 

Research shows fatal collisions caused by drivers travelling at 65mph could be halved if the drivers slowed down by just 5mph.4

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, said: “No matter how experienced you are as a driver, collisions can happen to anyone, and the consequences could be devastating – for you, for other road users, and for loved ones. 

“We’re urging drivers to consider their driving behaviour and reduce their speed, making our roads safer for everyone.”

There are more than 300 safety camera locations across Scotland, placed where there is evidence of injury collisions and speeding and where they have the greatest potential to reduce casualties.

Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, Head of Road Policing, said: “Speeding is always a risk. It only takes a split second to lose control and it only has to happen once.

“A collision affects more than just you and your vehicle – it impacts your family, the victim’s family, emergency services and people who witness it.

“Everyone has to take responsibility to save lives on Scotland’s roads.”

Running across TV, radio and digital channels, the campaign delivers a strong message to drivers – You only have to lose control once. The message is brought to life in a thought-provoking TV ad highlighting the split-second moment before a collision from a driver’s point of view.

For more information about the campaign, go to roadsafety.scot.

Follow Road Safety Scotland Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter) (@roadsafetyscot) pages for more details.

Increased Focus on Suicide Prevention in Scottish Agriculture

The drive to raise awareness and understanding of suicide prevention in the Scottish agricultural community is set to take a significant step forward this month.

Ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day (Sept 10, 2024) RSABI is embarking on a recruitment drive behind a new role in the charity, which supports people in Scottish agriculture, focused on suicide prevention in Scotland’s farming and crofting communities.

The new position, being delivered in partnership with SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health), will see RSABI for the first time benefit from a full-time member of staff  focused on crucial suicide prevention work in Scottish agriculture.

As well as working long hours, the isolation of modern farming and lack of social contact, along with the impact of the increased cost of living, are factors which can have a major impact on the mental wellbeing of people in farming.

The aim is to maximise the opportunity for partnership working and collaboration with specialist organisations involved in suicide prevention, in line with the Scottish Government’s Prevention Strategy, Creating Hope Together.

One priority will be to improve understanding of suicide in Scotland’s farming and crofting communities and increase awareness of the ways everyone can play a part in suicide prevention.

The new role is set to add to a range of mental health initiatives RSABI is delivering to help provide emotional support to people in Scottish agriculture, which sadly has a poor track record in terms of mental health and suicide.

In the past two years RSABI has delivered mental health first aid training, working with former Royal Marines at IED Training Solutions, to over 700 people working in the frontline of Scottish agriculture, to help them to know what to say and do when someone is struggling.

The charity also works very closely with the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC) and has this summer started an ambitious programme of Suicide Prevention training with young farmers, working with Papyrus, a charity which specialises in suicide prevention in young people.

RSABI has also seen demand for is free counselling services increase significantly over the past year with over 1000 free counselling sessions provided to people in Scottish agriculture in the past year.

The fact that farmers are often reluctant to seek help from a health professional at an early stage can also contribute to mental and physical conditions deteriorating. To help tackle this, and encourage farmers to seek professional advice, RSABI is rolling out a Health Hut initiative with a dedicated team of nurses and doctors setting up health huts in auction marts and at agricultural shows throughout the country.

A wellbeing app – Thrive Wellbeing – is also provided free of charge by RSABI, following a successful pilot programme with three young farmers clubs.

Carol McLaren, Chief Executive of RSABI, said the development of the new role in partnership with SAMH is a vital step forward: “We know that sadly we are still losing far too many people of all ages in Scottish agriculture to suicide and too often our welfare team sees the devastating impact this has on families and friends bereaved by suicide.

“The impact of these deaths on our closeknit Scottish farming and crofting communities, is huge.

“As a charity we already work closely with many of Scotland’s mental health organisations and working in partnership with SAMH and having a dedicated individual in our team focused on communications, awareness-raising and engagement around suicide prevention will ensure we can take the benefits of this collaboration to a new level.

“Our new recruit will also lead on new research in the coming months to help us increase understanding of a great many factors relating to suicide in Scottish agriculture. This will help us to understand how RSABI, working in collaboration with many others, can raise awareness in our communities, help prevent suicides and support those bereaved by suicide.”

Dan Farthing, Head of Suicide Prevention at SAMH, said: “The agricultural sector has always been demanding. There is widespread lone working and highly intensive long working hours, particularly at peak times of the year.  However, people are now facing mounting pressures as the economics of farming change.

“Climate change and workforce challenges are adding considerably to those pressures, and we are concerned that is adding to the risk of suicide in the community.

“This partnership with RSABI is really important as a step towards improving the understanding of suicide in the sector and creating opportunities to have meaningful conversations about suicide in farming communities to reduce risk. We’re grateful to RSABI for working with us and look forward to the work we’ll do together.”

1 in 3 working young people have never contributed to a pension 

  • MaPS calls on young people to pay into their pension, even if they’re only able to contribute a small amount.  
  • 1 in 3 18-25-year-olds who are currently working have never contributed to a pension.  
  • “We want young people to make sure they’re well informed and get into healthy saving habits early on in their careers” says MaPS. 
  • MoneyHelper can support young people to learn about their pensions. 

In a survey of 2,000 UK 18-25-year-olds, MaPS found that 1 in 3 (29%) who are currently working have never contributed to a workplace or private pension.  

Additionally, only just over half (54%) are currently contributing to a pension. 

Among savers (87%), ‘milestone planning’ was the top reported savings priority for young people, with half of 18–25-year-olds (51%) saying they are saving to buy a property, get married, or similar life events. 

Leaving planning for retirement in 6th place, with just over 1 in 8 (13%) reporting that they are saving for this.  

MaPS highlights research from the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) which shows that contributing to your pension age 35 instead of 25 could result in a £500k pension pot instead of £800k, a detrimental loss of over £300k for a retirement pot. 

Jackie Spencer, Head of Money and Pensions Policy at the Money and Pensions Service says: “We understand that not everyone can regularly contribute high amounts to their pension. 

“It’s encouraging that our recent data shows that 71% of young people in full-time employment are contributing to a pension. This likely demonstrates the positive effect of the workplace automatic enrolment, and we’d encourage young people starting new jobs to contribute to their workplace pension.  

“It’s important that young people starting out in their careers know that even a small contribution each month can make a difference to their retirement pot, and something is better than nothing.

“For those currently self-employed or not in full-time employment, try to put money aside where you can for retirement and consider a personal pension. When young people do reach the stage of full-time employment, we’d encourage taking advantage of auto-enrolment into your pension if you can.” 

MaPS understands that not everyone is able to pay into a pension, particularly if they are saving money for other reasons, but it’s important to be well informed when making financial decisions.  

When you are part of a workplace pension scheme, you may be eligible for employer contributions and some of the money that would have gone to the government as tax goes towards your pension instead.  

MaPS’ MoneyHelper website has plenty of free and impartial guides to offer support, including our pension calculator and a webchat tool where young people can access pension guidance.

Warning over the sale of motorbikes online following thefts in West Lothian

POLICE officers are issuing a warning over the sale of motorbikes online following a number of thefts in the West Lothian area.

Recently we have received reports of motorbikes for sale on social media selling pages being taken for test drives and not returned.

Constable Grant Hillhouse, Livingston Police Station, said: “There has been an increase recently in the number of thefts reported of motorbikes being sold online.

“Typically this involves the potential buyer asking to take the bike for a test drive and not returning or paying for it.

“I’d urge anyone looking to sell online to ensure every precaution is taken to ensure the security of their property.”

You can find more advice on staying safe online and online shopping on our website: 

https://www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information/scams-and-frauds/cyber-related-financial-crime/

Public to be given the chance to view updated proposals for former Saica site in West Edinburgh

WEDNESDAY 11 SEPTEMBER between 2pm and 7pm at Delta Hotels by Marriott, 111 Glasgow Road

The public are to be given the chance to view and comment on updated proposals for a sustainable residential-led development at Maybury Quarter Edinburgh, site of the former Saica packaging facility in West Edinburgh.

Promoted by regeneration specialists, Summix Capital, Maybury Quarter Edinburgh provides a unique opportunity to regenerate this former industrial location on Turnhouse Road, which covers 15.5-acre (6.3 hectares).

The flagship low-carbon neighbourhood aims to deliver a mix of uses, potentially comprising residential, senior living, hotel, commercial and retail uses. This brownfield site is allocated in the Council’s City Plan 2030 for residential-focused redevelopment.

The second public consultation event will be held on Wednesday 11th September 2024 at Delta Hotels by Marriott, 111 Glasgow Rd, Edinburgh EH12 8NF between 2pm and 7pm.

This will provide the local community with the opportunity to shape the proposals, prior to the submission of a planning application to City of Edinburgh Council later this year.

 It follows an initial consultation event held on 27th March and will respond to feedback and comments from this first event and other stakeholder engagement. Further information will be made available at www.maybury-quarter.co.uk, which will host consultation materials from the day of the event.

The proposals for Maybury Quarter Edinburgh will aim to deliver a balanced mix of uses that promote health, wellbeing and sustainable lifestyles which are designed to encourage a strong sense of place and community.

It will aim to deliver:

  • 1000 homes
  • Hotel – 120-150 rooms
  • Retail/potential local centre – 30,000 sq. ft. overall
  • Extensive green spaces will be created, with high-quality public realm and access arrangements

The housing proposed will include tenure blind affordable housing, addressing the city’s well-publicised housing emergency, and including the provision of accessible family homes and Build to Rent (BTR) accommodation.

BTR sees homes built specifically for rent, rather than sale.

Stuart Black, Development Director for Summix Capital, commented: “We are delighted to be giving the local community the chance to view and feedback on our updated proposals for Maybury Quarter Edinburgh.

“The public comments received so far, along with other stakeholder feedback received, have proved invaluable in shaping this development, and we would like to thank all those who have taken the time to input into this process to date.

“Our exciting proposals provide a unique opportunity to redevelop one of the last major pieces of brownfield land in the city into a brand-new, sustainable mixed-use community. 

“This will ensure that Maybury Quarter Edinburgh fulfils our vision to be one of the most exciting and best-connected development sites in Scotland.”

Spain-based paper and cardboard company Saica has relocated to a purpose-built facility at Deans Road in Livingston.  It is active in nine other European countries.

UK Transport Secretary sets the wheels in motion on “biggest overhaul to buses in a generation”

The new Buses Bill will put power over England’s bus services back in the hands of local leaders

  • Transport Secretary announces the first stop on journey to Better Buses, with new powers to take control of bus services to be expanded to every community
  • draft guidance published to support local leaders to deliver improved bus networks, faster and cheaper
  • government bus reforms to end today’s postcode lottery, grow passenger numbers and deliver better services for all

A package of measures to empower local leaders to take control of their bus services has been unveiled today (9 September 2024) by Transport Secretary Louise Haigh – the first stop on the journey to better buses. 

Legislation is being laid before Parliament today which gives all local transport authorities across England new powers to run their own bus services – powers previously limited to mayoral combined authorities. The move means that local leaders across England can deliver services in a way that suits the needs of their communities.

The government has also launched a consultation on new draft guidance to provide advice and support for local leaders looking to bring services into public control. This new, simplified guidance will help break down barriers to local control of bus services, speeding up the process and bringing down costs.

The guidance will also put the needs of passengers and bus drivers first – by encouraging local transport authorities to consider driver welfare and passenger safety, including anti-social behaviour and violence against women and girls.

The new Buses Bill, which will follow this first statutory instrument, will bring an end to the current postcode lottery by taking steps to improve bus services no matter where you live.

Buses remain the most used form of public transport across the country, but – after almost 4 decades of failed deregulation – vital services have been slashed and there is little accountability to passengers.

Since 2010, almost 300 million fewer miles have been driven by buses per year. The transformative work the government is doing will turn the tide by giving communities the opportunity to control local bus services and have a real say in building local transport networks that work for them.

Modernising our transport infrastructure and delivering better buses is at the heart of our plan to kickstart economic growth in every part of the country and get the country moving. Our plans will deliver a better service for passengers and give local authorities a choice over the bus system that works best for them without extra burdens on the taxpayer.  

Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh, said: “Buses are the lifeblood of our communities, but for too many people it has become impossible to rely on local services, as routes have been slashed and timetables hollowed out.  

“Today is the first stop on our journey to delivering better buses across the country. After decades of failed deregulation, local leaders will finally have the powers to provide services that deliver for passengers.

“And we are taking steps to support local leaders to deliver improved bus services faster and cheaper than ever before.

“With local communities firmly back in the driving seat, our bus revolution will save vital routes up and down the country and put passengers first.

Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group, said: “We welcome the pace at which government is moving on its ambitious transport agenda.

“Buses are the cornerstone of our public transport system, so it’s greatly encouraging to see this new package of measures, which will deliver better bus services for more local areas.

“We look forward to working with government to create a smoother journey for all bus passengers.

Councillor Adam Hug, transport spokesperson for the Local Government Association, said: “Buses remain critical to local government’s efforts to ensure that everyone can benefit from inclusive economic growth and job opportunities, and to prevent social isolation by making local services more accessible; they also continue to play a vital role in reducing carbon and other harmful emissions.

“These proposed measures recognise the fundamental role of local leadership in shaping future bus provision, which the LGA has long been calling for.

Nik Johnson, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said: “This is a government that understands what the communities and economies of places like Cambridgeshire and Peterborough need.

“Good quality public transport is a vital part of people’s lives and none more so than local bus services, so it’s a huge boost to see much-needed change coming to life.

“As a combined authority we’re doing everything we can to reform the way buses are managed across the region and having government on our side makes a massive difference.”

It comes as the Transport Secretary took a bus ride to Anglia Ruskin University Campus in Peterborough, where she met with the Mayor and local MP to discuss plans for local control of bus services.

These new powers mean local transport authorities will now be able to emulate the huge success of publicly controlled buses in Greater Manchester and London. Greater Manchester’s successful Bee Network has already seen passenger numbers grow by 5% since public control began to be rolled out just a year ago.

The Buses Bill will also reverse the ban on setting up new publicly owned bus companies, provide greater flexibility over bus funding and will take steps to improve bus services for communities who choose not to pursue public control.