Member

Furthermore, franchise services would be unlikely to receive grants in order to avoid double subsidy. It is hard to see how or why a franchising authority would issue a grant to the operators of its franchise bus services when a contract will be in place and contract variations can be made. For instance, in Greater Manchester, whose successful franchising system has already been referenced this afternoon, up-and-running franchising services are not eligible for the bus service operators grant. As such, the consultation required by the statutory duty that the noble Lord proposes would not take place.