2. Urgent Question: RJ’s of Wem

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:20 pm on 6 December 2016.

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Photo of Ken Skates Ken Skates Labour 2:20, 6 December 2016

Yes, the Member will be aware of local controversy that accompanied the announcement of RJ’s of Wem’s contract with the council. Wrexham County Borough Council went into a contract with RJ’s in the knowledge that the directors were formerly overseeing GHA Coaches. Now, the loss of the operating licence means that Wrexham council will be responsible for assessing local circumstances and priorities, including any service that can be provided to those residents who will now be left without a service, potentially, for a period following 19 December, when the revoking of the licence will take effect. I can tell the Member today that I am currently considering offering local authorities in north Wales financial assistance, and I’ll be determining that over the coming days to assist with the pressures that not just Wrexham face, but also Flintshire and Denbighshire. I’ve also decided to provide funding for a dedicated bus resource within the local authorities to ensure that the sustainability of the bus network can be guaranteed.