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Government admits transport social exclusion, but ducks changes
26 February 2003
Commenting on the Social Exclusion Unit's report on transport and social exclusion, released today, Simon Bullock of Friends of the Earth said:
"The report is right about the stark problems faced by millions of people who have to walk and use buses to get around. There are many welcome new initiatives across Government, but the report ducks the biggest issue: the need for changes in transport spending.
The report says that only 12 per cent of the ?120 billion spending in the 10 year plan for transport will go to the poorest fifth of people. This means bus subsidies will stay among the lowest in Europe, fares among the highest, and councils will still be unable to put in place safe routes to schools for lack of funds.
When the Government revises its transport plan next year it must cut spending on road building, which helps the better-off most, and spend more on better public transport and making it easier to walk and cycle, which helps everyone - but particularly the least well-off."
Notes
[1] `Making the Connections: Transport and Social Exclusion' was published today by the Social Exclusion Unit, which is based in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister
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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Jun 2008
