There was a stark imbalance in this week's Budget

Dear Supporter

This week, the Chancellor announced the Government's first Budget:

Bus fare cap: up by 50%
Rail fares: up by more than inflation
Railcards: up by £5
Fuel duty for drivers: frozen again.

The imbalance is stark, and a bitter blow both to public transport users and to the environment.

While it is some relief that the bus fare cap wasn't scrapped entirely, the jump from £2 to £3 is significant. Increasing rail fares above inflation for only the second time in more than a decade is a further kick in the teeth. As for increasing the cost of railcards for families, young people, veterans and seniors, this is a harmful step in the wrong direction.

The Chancellor made much of her decision to keep the fuel duty freeze, citing the "difficult circumstances" facing motorists "while the cost of living remains high". But we know that freezing fuel duty disproportionately helps the richest households. With wealthier people driving more and in bigger cars, almost two-thirds of savings from the fuel duty freeze go to the richest half of households, while only just over a third go to the poorest half. Meanwhile public transport users are hit in the pocket. 

Of course, the stark contrast between the treatment of public transport users and car drivers is hugely concerning from an environmental perspective, too. To tackle climate change, air pollution and congestion, we need to make public transport the attractive, affordable choice.

There were some good things in the Budget, too. We were glad that the Chancellor listened to our calls to raise Air Passenger Duty for private jet passengers. We also welcomed the decision to increase APD on domestic flights; we hope the money raised will go towards improving rail alternatives.

But the overall message from the Budget was clear – if the Government is to live up to its promises of putting passengers first and making transport greener, then the Chancellor – and the Treasury – must reconsider their priorities. We will keep campaigning to ensure that they do.

All best wishes

Ben

Ben Curtis, Head of External Affairs
Campaign for Better Transport