Grahame Morris MP questioned Transport Minister Robert Courts MP about the lack of sector-specific support for the coach industry this morning.

The Easington MP led a debate in Westminster Hall in December on the issue.

When asked what plans the Government has to support coach (a) operators and (b) manufacturers during periods of reduced demand as a result of the covid-19 outbreak, the Minister responded:

“A range of support measures have been made available to UK businesses, including the coach industry, such as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. Coach operators and manufacturers can also contact their local authority regarding discretionary funding provided by the Government for companies experiencing a severe impact on their businesses.”

Mr Morris pressed him on the need for sector-specific support. He said, “Why have ministers still not committed to providing targeted support for coach companies, most of which are small, family-run, community-based businesses that provide essential support to other sectors?”

The Minister replied, “This is a very diverse sector, it’s very difficult to have any such scheme that would be a one-size-fits-all type. There has been a variety of support provided by the Government, such as the Department for Education’s money to provide additional support for school and college transport, such as this Department’s money to support Christmas travel, and such as the Treasury’s funding for the Additional Restrictions Grant.”