By Caroline Whitney, Director for England

The Charity Commission has published its latest research into public trust in charities, based on a survey of over 4,600 people and follow-up focus groups. This tells us a lot about how the public thinks, gives and engages with the causes they support, including the kind of local, practical services our sector provides.

Here is what stood out, and what it means for how we fundraise, talk to our communities, and make the case to councils and MPs.

By Sean Ray, Development Officer for England

In rural communities, having reliable transport can make all the difference, especially when it's no longer available. For many people living across Shropshire, particularly older adults, individuals with disabilities and those experiencing isolation, simply getting to a doctor’s appointment, the shops, or a social activity can be a real challenge.

By Caroline Whitney, Director for England

In April 2026, the Department for Transport published Better Connected, its long-term strategy for transport in England. It sits above the new Local Transport Plan guidance and is the document everything else in local transport is now meant to flow from. The good news for us is that community transport is named directly, in places that count. 

By David Kelly, our Head of Policy and Campaigns

CTA has published a new infographic setting out key findings from our D1 Licensing Campaign survey and consultation.

Between January and April 2026, we heard from over 400 respondents from Community Transport Operators across the UK about how the current D1 licensing rules are affecting their ability to recruit drivers, meet demand and sustain services.

The message from the sector is clear: driver shortages are already having a real impact on community transport.

By Caroline Whitney, Director for England

On 2 April 2026, the Department for Transport published its new statutory guidance on Local Transport Plans (LTPs). It applies to local transport authorities in England outside London, and sets out how they should put together the plans that will shape transport in their area for the next 10 to 20 years. 

By Caroline Whitney, our Director for England 

Our recent fuel crisis impact survey gathered responses from 291 operators across England to understand how rising fuel prices are affecting community transport services. The results painted a concerning picture of a sector under severe and worsening pressure, with serious consequences looming for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities if fuel prices do not reduce soon. 

By David Kelly, our Head of Policy and Campaigns

It had been a long time coming.

After more than four years of campaigning – and countless meetings, letters, budget representations, briefings and social media posts later – we watched as the Chancellor of the Exchequer rose to address the House of Commons on 21 May 2026.

Cross-border health transport is a significant and growing area of need for patients, leading to increased demand on the Community Transport sector. Most of this demand is currently being met by volunteers, an almost invisible workforce that is directly enabling health and wellbeing for patients in Wales and England, that is under increasing pressure.

By David Kelly, our Head of Policy and Campaigns 

You cannot fail to have noticed the growing buzz around Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) in the UK. The number of politicians, journalists and investors talking up the new technology is only increasing, while firms and transport authorities are launching new tests and trials with great fanfare.

The Hype

Transport is fundamental infrastructure for our lives, both individually and collectively. We believe that everyone should have access to transport that meets their needs; to enable them to access work and education, to socialise and connect with the people and places they love, to stay healthy and well, to care for others and receive care in turn.