North Norfolk MP Seeks 10p Fuel Duty Cut for Rural Buses

North Norfolk’s MP, Steff Aquarone, has written to the Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, asking for a temporary 10p a litre cut in fuel duty and a review of whether government money is enough to keep rural bus routes running. He says rising operating costs must not leave villages with fewer buses.

The letter follows talks with local operators, among them Sanders Coaches, about the cost of keeping services going across North Norfolk.

The routes he is worried about

His main concern is routes that depend on public subsidy. The Government helps bus operators through the Bus Service Operators Grant and other funding, but his office says eligibility differs between commercially run services and those supported by local authorities, so subsidised routes may not benefit from the same fuel-related grants.

He has asked ministers three things: how a temporary fuel duty cut could help operators, what extra help supported rural routes may need, and how future funding decisions can better reflect the cost of running buses in the countryside. He is waiting for the Department for Transport to say what more it will do.

The standard rate of fuel duty on road diesel is 52.95p per litre, his office says. A temporary 10p cut has been proposed nationally as part of a wider transport affordability package.

“For people in North Norfolk who don’t drive, buses are a lifeline, not a luxury. We need more bus services, not less,” Mr Aquarone said.

“I’ve already pressed the Chancellor to help improve rural bus connections, and now I’m calling for a 10p fuel duty cut and proper support for rural routes. We must protect the services people rely on while working to make them better.”

What he asked the Chancellor in September

On 8 September he raised rural buses at Treasury questions in the Commons. According to Hansard, he told MPs that the independent operator Central Connect “has managed to double its bus frequency in Stalham and Hoveton” despite the pressures on the sector, and “wants to go further”. He asked how the Treasury would work with the Department for Transport “to ensure barriers are lifted and support is provided to bring more buses to my constituents”.

The Chancellor, John Healey, said he was disappointed the MP had not recognised that capping bus fares “must be a benefit to his constituency in Norfolk and a benefit to passengers”, and added: “Beyond that, let me take his contribution as an early Budget representation.”

Weekend buses on the coast

Mr Aquarone is also looking at the case for bringing back weekend buses serving Bacton, Walcott and Ostend. He believes protecting the routes that exist has to go alongside expanding public transport for communities that already have few services.

What it means for you

Nothing changes to North Norfolk timetables yet: this is a request to ministers, and the Department for Transport has not replied. His office says it can share his letter to the Transport Secretary once that is approved. If you rely on a subsidised route and want your experience heard, his office is the place to send it.