Written questions by Foord.

Following the conclusion of the public inquiry into the Port of London Authority Harbour Revision Order, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that the Port of London Authority is operating in a fair and transparent manner in relation to the charging of river works licences for balconies overhanging the River Thames.

Following the conclusion of the inquiry, the Port of London Authority (PLA) has told the Department how it intends to resolve residents’ concerns. Although the Department has no relevant powers that can be used to assist in this situation, it is currently satisfied with the PLA’s proposed course of action but will keep the matter under review.

What assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the 2022 South Wales Trunk Road Agent review finding on the M48 central safety barrier; and what steps her Department is taking to help reduce delays to safety repairs where a risk has been identified.

Whilst the 2022 review by South Wales Trunk Road Agent (SWTRA) into the M48 central safety barrier focuses on the Welsh section of the M48 only, safety remains the number one priority for the Department and National Highways across the strategic road network. National Highways is monitored against a range of performance measures, including for asset maintenance, renewals and safety, and have ongoing work to improve safety across the strategic road network. National Highways also continue to engage regularly with SWTRA, Monmouthshire County Council and Welsh Government to discuss operational matters in and around the Severn Crossings.

What steps she is taking to support families in rural areas with the cost of transport to schools.

The Government knows how important affordable and reliable bus services are in enabling people to get to education, particularly in rural areas.On 1 January, we introduced a £3 cap on single bus fares in England outside London to help passengers continue to access cheaper bus services and better opportunities. At the Spending Review we announced the cap would be extended until March 2027.At present, the majority of bus services operate on a commercial basis by private operators, and any decisions regarding the level at which fares are set outside the scope of the £3 bus fare cap are commercial decisions for operators. Bus operators can choose to offer discounted fares for young people, and in the year ending March 2025, youth discounts were offered by at least one commercial bus operator in 73 out of 85 local authority areas in England outside London. As part of the Autumn 2024 Budget, the Government allocated £955 million to support and improve bus services in 2025/26. This includes £712 million for local authorities, this can be used to expand services and improve reliability, which are currently massive obstacles for too many people. Devon County Council has been allocated £11.6 million of this funding. Funding allocated to local authorities to deliver better bus services can be used in whichever way they wish to improve services for passengers, which could include introducing new fares initiatives to reduce the cost of bus travel for young people.

What assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the difference in per capita bus funding between rural and urban areas.

The Government recognises that different areas have different characteristics and needs for their local bus network. The Government has committed to reforming bus funding to create a fairer and simpler system for bus funding that takes into account local needs. The Government took the first step towards a fairer allocation system by using a formula to determine Local Authority Bus Grant allocations for 25/26 based on need, including population, the distance that buses travel, and the levels of deprivation. Under this formula, Devon County Council was allocated £11.6 million. This is an increase in funding compared to the £8.7 million allocated to the Council in equivalent funding under the previous Government in 24/25. The formula used in 25/26 is an interim formula. We are currently reviewing this formula to ensure funding is allocated as fairly as possible, including engaging with stakeholders on any revisions.

What steps her Department is taking to increase the availability of practical driving tests in rural Devon.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) main priority is upholding road safety standards while it works hard to reduce car practical driving test waiting times. In recent months, DVSA has recruited new driving examiners into driving test centres that serve customers in Devon. On the 23 April, the Secretary of State for Transport appeared before the Transport Select Committee and announced that DVSA will take further actions to reduce waiting times for all customers across the country. Further information on these actions and progress on the DVSA’s 7-point plan, which was set out last year, can be found on GOV.UK.