CTA’s response to the Government’s new strategy on loneliness

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Today the Government launched a new strategy to tackle the problem of loneliness and isolation.

You can find the strategy here and read CTA’s thoughts below:

“We welcome the UK Government’s first strategy on loneliness and its commitment to tackling one of the most pressing issues facing our communities today.

The work of community transport providers all over the UK is integral in reducing loneliness and social isolation. Community transport schemes connect people to their communities, providing transport, friendship and social opportunities to those who might otherwise be alone.

We are encouraged to see transport, and community transport specifically, mentioned in the report as a vital component in tackling loneliness. The language used by the Government is promising, recognising the importance of local, accessible and inclusive transport, focusing on the small everyday journeys that help people get out and about. There was also a focus on the benefits of working together to create more connected communities, recognising that the Government could support others to make it happen.

We are also pleased to see the contribution from Transport Minister Nusrat Ghani MP, who is now taking on the brief that covers the community transport sector, and the specific investment in driver training to support drivers and organisations who provide transport in their communities.

The report also refers to the Department for Transport’s recent consultation on the future of section 19 and 22 permits and we were pleased to see a recognition that the Department is considering the impact of its licencing reforms on community transport providers.

Tackling loneliness is one of the most important tasks for both the Government and the charity sector. Community transport providers spend every day reducing isolation, and we look forward to working with the Government to further support and champion the indispensable work that our members do.”

For more information from CTA please contact hello@ctauk.org