Local MPs Ben Everitt and Iain Stewart have shared their delight after their campaign for zero emission buses in Milton Keynes ended in success at today’s Budget.
Ben and Iain recently wrote to Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for the Department for Transport, calling on the Department to accept MK’s bid for the zero emission buses. This was after urging the Milton Keynes Council to put forward a bid over a year ago.
And in today’s Budget it was announced MK will receive a share of £70 million funding for 56 zero emission buses as part of the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme.
Ben Everitt, the MP for Milton Keynes North, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled it’s been announced Milton Keynes will get funding for approximately 56 zero emission buses.
“I’ve been lobbying the Department for Transport with Iain Stewart MP to help secure this funding and I’m delighted the Government has listened.
“This Conservative Government is helping Milton Keynes build back better and build back greener.”
Iain Stewart, the MP for Milton Keynes South, commented: "I welcome the news that Milton Keynes will get 56 zero emission buses as part of the Government's ZEBRA initiative.
"After lobbying Department for Transport Ministers with Ben Everitt MP, I am pleased we have been successful.
"These buses will help to reduce MK's carbon footprint whilst, hopefully, improving connectivity for residents."
In the Budget, Chancellor Rishi Sunak also announced:
- The National Living Wage is being increased to £9.50/hour
- Schools will get an extra £4.7bn by 2024-25
- The NHS will receive its biggest investment in 10 years
- Retail, hospitality and leisure will get a 50% business rates discount
- A planned rise in fuel duty has been cancelled