- 21/01/2025
- Posted by: Chris Waters
- Category: News
Local buses saved by Labour investment
Labour’s investment in Surrey & Hampshire has saved local bus services after years of Conservative cuts.
The new Government has announced £12million for Surrey and £14million for Hampshire. Funds will be piped directly to county councils, supporting the delivery of bus services until 2026.
This could particularly benefit the long-disconnected residents of Farnham, Bordon, Haslemere & Liphook who have endured dwindling bus services and increasing isolation.
In Conservative-run Surrey and Hampshire services have faced increasing cuts. Meanwhile private companies have sought to secure their profits, leaving residents in rural areas isolated.
Communities in both counties welcomed this investment, undoing cuts begun under Conservative management.
This investment comes as the government delivers on its manifesto to pledge hand control of bus services to local councils.
Are councillors up to the job?
County councillors are now responsible for delivering this money into saving local services.
But it is unclear whether Surrey & Hampshire are up to the job. Both councils have seen spiralling debt under Conservative control, with Surrey expecting to add £1.2billion to its debt pile by 2028.
Surrey & Hampshire have failed in special educational provision, planning, and fixing roads. It is no surprise residents are doubtful they’ll see the benefits.
An alternative voice
Surrey & Hampshire county councils have been under Conservative control for the whole of the 21st century. Residents are looking for an alternative party which can deliver the dividends of a new Labour government, and save local services.
The Liberal Democrats, longtime runners-up in both counties, have seen vote shares drop in Farnham, Haslemere, Bordon and Liphook as the party struggles to find a distinctive position.
Farnham & Bordon Labour leaders have welcomed the news as an indication of the difference Labour leadership makes.
With local buses saved until 2026, local Labour leaders are keen to point to government support for Farnham & Bordon. The government recently confirmed the rebuild of Frimley Park, upped education investment, and committed to fixing potholes.
