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.
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.
Volunteer car schemes play a crucial yet often overlooked role in community transport. Despite their widespread presence, many operate under the radar due to informal structures and limited visibility. Our research takes a closer look at how these schemes function across England, with a particular focus on their long-term sustainability and potential for future development.
During the workshop, you'll be invited to share your views and experiences on:
• How volunteer car schemes are currently operating, highlighting a range of delivery models
Scotland will go to the polls on 7 May to elect a new Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh. What does the Community Transport movement need from our future MSPs and the next Scottish Government over the next five years?
Creating Connections is a UK-wide research project exploring how Community Transport can better support disabled children and young people to get where they need and want to go.
The Department for Transport (DfT) has published its review of Enhanced Partnerships (EP’s), sharing a detailed look at how they are working across England and where improvements are needed. CTA contributed directly to this process by responding to the survey and attending one of the national roundtable events. Our insights, alongside those shared by operators, local authorities and partners helped shape the finding and next steps set out in the review.
The Department for Transport has published a new franchising manual for local authorities that want to franchise their bus networks. This matters for our sector because the direction of travel is clear: more councils are being encouraged to take greater control of local bus services.