AQO 1737/22-27 Oral question to the Minister for Infrastructure
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline any progress that has been made to replace Section 10b permits for community transport operators with permits similar to Section 19 and Section 22 of the Transport Act 1985.
Asked by Kellie Armstrong MLA on 13 March 2025
- Answered
- Oral
- Answered in the Chamber
- Tabled
- 13 March 2025
- Answer due by
- 24 March 2025
- Answered
- 24 March 202511 days after tabling
- Department
- Department for Infrastructure
- Priority question
- No
Answer
Answered in the Assembly Chamber on 24 March 2025. Extract from the Official Report (Hansard), including any supplementary questions:
Ms Kimmins
There are no plans to replace the section10B permit for community transport operators with section 19 and section 22 permits, which are used in Britain. However, my officials are reviewing the operation of the section 10B permit scheme as part of the overall review of community transport.
Ms K Armstrong
Thank you, Minister. Introducing section 19 and 22 permits would allow community transport to address the lack of transport in rural areas and increase the amount of accessible transport in rural areas. What is the barrier to bringing forward legislation that is used in the rest of the UK?
Ms Kimmins
I am not aware of specific barriers, but we are developing broader transport plans that will feed into that issue. I am happy to look at that in more detail for the Member to understand where the challenges are. It is my understanding that the 10B permit is being reviewed, but I can look at section 19 permits in more detail.
Miss Brogan
Will the Minister outline the next steps in the review of community transport?
Ms Kimmins
At the conclusion of the review, officials will provide me with a final report of their findings and recommendations. At that stage, we will know better the next steps and share them with Members.
Ms McLaughlin
Minister, what engagement have you had with the First Minister and deputy First Minister in the past year on the delivery of an infrastructure commission?
Ms Kimmins
I have had no specific engagement with the Executive Office on that, but I hope to have such engagement in the coming weeks and months.