CTA has five Policy & Research priorities which focus our work as the voice of the Community Transport sector.
1. Modernising for Growth
2. Improving Access to Health & Social Care
3. Investing in Community Solutions
4. Accelerating Community-Led Climate Action
5. Delivering a Fair Deal for Volunteers
This priority is all about recognising the value and impact of volunteering in Community Transport, from minibus drivers to passenger assistants to digital gurus, and ensuring it is accessible, affordable and attractive for everyone, regardless of their age, background or income.
Highly-skilled and professional volunteers are the lifeblood of our sector. Many Community Transport operators rely on volunteer drivers to deliver services from Dial-a-Ride to non-emergency patient transport. Volunteering builds skills, brings people together and strengthens communities. However, a crisis of volunteer recruitment and retention, exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis, threatens the provision of essential services.
Under this priority, we’re campaigning for:
- All government departments and agencies to understand the value and impact of volunteering and commit to fund the next phase of England’s Vision for Volunteering.
- HM Treasury to conduct an urgent, fair and transparent review of the outdated 2012 Approved Mileage Allowance Payment rate, which is used to reimburse volunteers for the use of their own vehicles, to ensure it reflects the real costs of motoring in 2024.
- A new UK-wide campaign alongside employers, the devolved administrations, local government and civil society to promote, recognise and value Community Transport volunteering and its positive role in our society and our economy.
You can find out more about our work on this priority on these pages or in our CTA Manifesto for the UK General Election 2024 here.
