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Author Archives: HM Government

News story: £64 million government funding to encourage more cycling and walking to work

Thousands more people will be encouraged to cycle and walk to work thanks to a £64 million government investment, Transport Minister Andrew Jones announced today (26 January 2017).

The funding will support local projects over 3 years from 2017 to 2020 and form part of a wider government package of more than £300 million to boost walking and cycling during the current parliament. By 2040 the government aims to make this part of everyday life and walking and cycling the natural choice for shorter journeys.

The money will deliver:

  • more safety and awareness training for cyclists
  • extra secure cycle storage
  • bike repair and maintenance courses
  • road safety measures
  • mapping information for pedestrians
  • real time bus information through smart phone apps or information at bus stops
  • increased focus on car sharing clubs

The funding will also target those looking to get back into work because access to transport and the cost of travel often restricts where people can look for work and their ability to attend interviews. They will also benefit from discount bus travel and bike loans.

Transport Minister Andrew Jones said:

We are committed to improving how people travel and this investment will ensure that people’s journeys are cheaper, safer and better for the environment. It will help people to become more active and better transport planning will reduce congestion on our roads – particularly at peak times.

This investment will also help people access jobs, education and training – specifically targeting those looking to get back into work, as part of our relentless drive to make this is a country that works for everyone.

The funding could lead to:

  • 95 million fewer miles in car journeys
  • 99,000 extra walking trips per day
  • 40,000 extra cycling trips per day

Stephen Joseph, Chief Executive, Campaign for Better Transport said:

We strongly welcome this announcement of the access fund projects and the new cycling and walking to work fund. The evidence suggests that these kinds of projects can remove barriers to work, help local communities and businesses and also tackle local transport problems by giving people attractive alternatives to car use. We look forward to working with the government, the authorities involved, and other organisations to develop and learn from these projects.

All English transport authorities (outside London) were invited to bid for the funding. The following 25 successful local authority bidders will each receive a share of the £60 million Sustainable Travel Access Fund for 2017 to 2020:

Local Authority Award (£million)
Blackpool Council – Consortium bid with Buckinghamshire CC, Hertfordshire CC, North East CA, Stoke on Trent CC, West Sussex CC, Hampshire CC, Leicester CC, North Lincolnshire Council and Surrey CC 7.498
Brighton and Hove Council 1.485
Bristol City Council (West of England) 6.901
Devon County Council 1.5
East Riding of Yorkshire Council 0.682
East Sussex County Council 1.2
Herefordshire County Council 1.5
Isle of Wight Council 1.35
Kent County Council 1.452
Lancashire County Council – Joint bid with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council 1.94
Leicester City Council and Leicestershire County Council 3.195
Lincolnshire County Council 0.975
Luton Borough Council (joint bid with Bedford Borough Council and Central Bedfordshire Council) 2.128
Norfolk County Council 1.488
North East Lincolnshire Council 1.388
North Yorkshire County Council 0.974
Nottingham City Council – joint bid with Derby City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council 2.735
Nottinghamshire County Council 0.845
Plymouth City Council 1.497
Sheffield City Region Combined Authority 7.5
Slough Borough Council 1.5
Southampton City Council (joint bid with Hampshire County Council) 2.294
Southend-on-Sea Borough Council joint bid with -Thurrock Council and Essex County Council 3.322
Tees Valley Combined Authority 3.323
York, City of 1.312

The Cycling and Walking to Work Fund offers £3.8 million to be invested in 3 city regions over the next 12 months to connect people with employment and apprenticeships:

Local Authority Award (£million)
Greater Manchester Combined Authority 1.5
Liverpool City Region 0.77
West Yorkshire Combined Authority 1.5
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HM Government • • •

News story: UK Minister for Asia Alok Sharma visits Thailand

Alok Sharma, the UK Minister for Asia and the Pacific, is in Bangkok for wide ranging talks on issues including trade, human rights and Thailand’s election plans.

The UK and Thailand have a strong relationship focused on practical cooperation. Mr Sharma is here to deepen this.

In Bangkok, Minister Sharma will hold talks with Deputy Prime Minster Somkid and Deputy Foreign Minister Virasakdi to discuss the strength of the relationship and opportunities to increase trade and prosperity. Mr Sharma will speak to other political figures, to hear their views on the political situation and the prospects for elections in Thailand.

Mr Sharma will meet members of civil society organisations to learn more about their work and the challenges they face especially on freedom of expression and to express the UK’s support for their work.

He will speak to businesses and investors to reaffirm that Global Britain is open for business and discuss how the UK Government can help Thai and British businesses trade with each other more.

Mr Sharma said:

Thailand is a very important partner for the UK, as proven by the fact that over 1 million British people come here every year.

I will be holding talks on the British Government’s commitment to boost bilateral trade and I will encourage further progress on bringing in the rights and freedoms the Thai people need for credible elections in the future.

Further information

Follow Foreign Office Minister Alok Sharma on twitter @AlokSharma_RDG

Follow the Foreign Office on twitter @foreignoffice

Follow the Foreign Office on facebook

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HM Government • • •