Bus services in Milton Keynes to be cut by £1.1m

The move was agreed by the Labour-led council last night (Tuesday) but already Tories are demanding a U turn.

They say the cuts will affect services for all bus users, but elderly people and young bus users will be particularly affected.

Subsidised bus routes and discretionary arrangements for older people who were previously allowed the chance to travel around the city for £1 before 9.30am have been targeted.

"There is also a possibility that some bus routes in MK could be lost completely as bus operators decide not to extend their contracts with MK Council," said Conservative group leader Cllr Alex Walker.

The decision to make the cuts to the bus service was confirmed by the Labour cabinet member Cllr Lauren Townsend at a Delegated Decisions meeting.

Cllr Walker said: "A lack of clarity over the future of many bus routes in the borough could leave many residents in

limbo and leave jobs at risk. Some residents will undoubtedly rely on specific bus routes for their commute to work while the bus drivers themselves could find themselves unemployed given the cut in routes in operation.

"We are in an economic crisis and Labour’s response is to cut people’s ability to get to work and get around the city. They are content to abandon hundreds of workers who will no doubt have to find alternative and

more expensive transport to make ends meet."

He added: "The Labour-led council argued their reasoning for these cuts came down to a loss of income

from parking. However, at the meeting, Labour Cllr Rob Middleton, confirmed that the government will provide MK Council with 75 per cent of parking revenue losses.

"This comes on top of an announcement at the latest Budget and Scrutiny Committee where Labour revealed the extent of government funding to MK Council could allow them to balance the budget this year."

The Tories are calling for the Labour-run Council to drop the planned bus cuts and engage with the government and providers to find another solution.