21 roles at risk at Sustrans Scotland as it’s asked to make “substantial savings”

Unfortunately, jobs at Sustrans Scotland look to be on the line as the charity works with the Scottish Government on active travel funding.

Reports have indicated that a number of roles will be lost at Sustrans and a quote passed to CI.N confirmed that 21 Sustrans colleagues in Scotland are at risk of redundancy, as well as cuts to programmes the charity runs across Scotland.

Sustrans Scotland looks to influence policy development to ensure more people have the choice to walk, cycle or take public transport for more of their journeys. Its remit includes the promotion and development of the National Cycle Network, in partnership with local and national roads and planning authorities.

Despite the glum news, Sustrans did welcome several funding announcements recently made to bolster active travel in Scotland, adding: “Scotland is leading the way amongst the UK nations in funding and delivery of active travel”. It further cautioned: “We cannot afford to lose this momentum if Scotland is to achieve its net zero targets.”

Here’s the statement a Sustrans spokesperson gave CyclingIndustry.News, in full:

“Over the last few weeks Sustrans has been in discussions with the Scottish Government about funding for crucial areas of active travel work for the next financial year. We welcome the continuation, albeit potentially at a reduced amount, of capital funding for infrastructure. This will allow us and our partners to deliver projects right across Scotland that make it safer and easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle.

“Likewise we welcome the recent announcement by the Minister for Active Travel of a £20m transformation fund which will go directly to local authorities for active travel.

“However, we have been asked to make substantial savings in our behaviour change programme. This work is delivered in communities and includes training children on safe cycling, supporting people to walk and cycle to work and giving marginalised communities the opportunity to access walking and cycling. It’s crucial that this work continues so that we can encourage more people to get about by walking or cycling for everyday journeys.

“While we understand the pressures the Scottish Government finances are under, it is the case that with less funding we have had to make cuts which will reduce our impact on changing the way people travel every day. As a result, 21 of our Sustrans colleagues in Scotland are now at risk of redundancy and there will be an end or reduction to programmes across Scotland.

“To reduce dependence on cars, we need to make it easier for people to make the switch to active travel and public transport. Building the infrastructure is critical, but uptake will be reduced without encouragement, support and engagement with communities.

“We understand there is continued commitment to the promises in the Programme for Government and the Bute House agreement, which proposes increasing the active travel budget to £320m by the end of the parliament.

“Scotland is leading the way amongst the UK nations in funding and delivery of active travel.  We cannot afford to lose this momentum if Scotland is to achieve its net zero targets.”