Support for the coach industry in England

Motion Text

That this House is concerned at the level of support provided for the English coach industry during the covid-19 outbreak; notes that pre-pandemic the coach sector was a healthy sector with a viable future; recognises that sector's vital role in tourism, school transport, rural services and train and airport emergency support; further notes the sector's £14 billion total contribution to the economy; notes that unlike the bus sector, its investment in new Euro 6 emission compliant vehicles came without Government subsidy and as a result many operators had finance in place which they had to service through the pandemic restrictions; regrets that by the end of 2020, over 100 operators had closed for business and 7,000 jobs had been lost; notes the financial support which continues to be provided to the coach industry in Scotland and Northern Ireland is not matched in England; notes that the support made available to the train and bus sectors in England was not extended to coaches; notes that access to the Additional Restrictions Grant became a postcode lottery for operators; notes that the industry was excluded from Restart Grants; notes that the 12 month finance payment holidays have now ended for most operators; notes with regret the confusion and lost business arising from the Cabinet Office’s decision to over-rule the Department for Transport’s Safe Travel advice; and calls on the Government to work with the industry as a matter of urgency and to undertake necessary steps to prevent further business closures and job losses.