Thank you for contacting me about Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs).
I welcome the fact that spending per head on cycling and walking has more than trebled since 2010, and that about £2 billion is now being invested in cycling and walking over the current Parliament. This is through the Government’s Cycling and Walking Investment strategy and through additional investments by local councils and metro mayors.
The ambition of the Government is to make cycling and walking the natural choices for short journeys, or as part of longer journeys, by 2040. Active travel has enormous benefits, not least reducing road congestion and improving air quality, as well as supporting local economies and promoting mental health and wellbeing.
It is the responsibility of local authorities to identify and prioritise investment for cycling and walking schemes from local funds and relevant national funding streams. However, I am encouraged that Ministers have published guidance on the preparation of LCWIPs to support local bodies that are interested in increasing cycling and walking in their local areas take a more strategic approach to improving cycling and walking conditions.
The Department for Transport is also providing a £2 million package of technical and strategic support to 46 local authorities to assist with the preparation of LCWIPs.
Calderdale MBC continues to develop its strategies for stimulating and enabling more people to walk or cycle rather than travel in more passive ways.
In addition, further place-based funds have recently been launched, including the Future High Streets Fund, Clean Air Fund, Transforming Cities Fund, and the Housing Infrastructure Fund.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Craig Whittaker MP
August 2019