To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what financial support he will be providing to community transport organisations to help them continue to deliver Rural Transport Fund objectives, while fuel prices are increasing.

I recently met with representatives of some of the rural community transport providers funded by my Department to discuss the challenges they are facing including the continuing rises in fuel costs and the impact this has on the delivery of Dial-a-Lift. I fully appreciate and understand the real value and impact of this service ensuring that some of the most vulnerable people in our society are able to access essential local services and more actively participate in society Although I have issued interim 6 month grant awards my Department is facing significant resource pressures in 2022-23, impacted by a decade of austerity budgets from Westminster, the unprecedented increases in energy costs and rising inflation.

The refusal of the DUP to form an Executive means over £420m of funds being held at the centre cannot be released and I therefore cannot bid for additional in year funding. The blocking of the Executive also means a three year budget cannot be agreed which makes it extremely difficult for my Department to plan future investment.

However, I am determined to do all I can to protect these services and my Department will continue to work closely with the community transport organisations to address their concerns and consider how best we can support services.