MPs call for more checks on local transport budgets

The public accounts committee warned that local transport bodies were "under severe financial pressure".

Labour MP Ms Hodge said the Department for Transport had distributed £2.2bn to fund local schemes in 2011-12.

"But £1.2bn of this, mainly for highway maintenance and transport projects, is not ring-fenced and the department does not monitor whether it is actually spent on transport or achieving its intended purpose," she added.

A Department for Transport spokeswoman said it was determined to ensure funding for local transport struck the right balance between ensuring value for money for taxpayers while still allowing decisions to be made on a local level.

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