Member

Finally, Amendment 39B empowers the Secretary of State to request that local authorities provide information on how they have complied with the new guidance. It is supported by a duty on local authorities to provide this information, and if the Secretary of State is of the view that a local authority has not complied with that duty she may publish a statement to that effect. I regard this amendment as important to ensuring local authorities are held accountable. It will also enable the Government to understand what progress has been made to ensure that bus stops are designed well and suitable for all users. Individuals and organisations are always welcome to write to the Secretary of State where they have concerns about compliance, and she may then seek evidence from the local transport authority. Therefore, we strongly advise the authorities to ensure they are fulfilling the obligation set out in Amendment 35A.