The States have tried to reassure vulnerable people who rely on community transport services that a new plan is being put in place to offer a “joined-up” service.
A charity recently revealed that it had to scrap its community transport service due to a lack of funding.
UnLtd, at the Ron Short Center, claimed its application to the Social Investment Fund was rejected, forcing it to stop its transport service from 1 July.
The charity appealed to the public for assistance to continue its minibus service.
“Urgent funding is needed to ensure disabled islanders continue to have reliable transport options. Our transport service will unfortunately cease operations on 1 July 2025, due to a lack of public funding.
“On behalf of our members, we’re asking for your help to make sure we can continue to provide the transportation provision they need.”
The States countered, with a spokesperson saying they have “not withdrawn any recent funding from charities who provide community transport”.
They added that there are plans in place to “develop a joined-up plan for community transport”.
The transport service, provided by UnLtd at the Ron Short Centre, aims to help disabled individuals working at the centre access their employment. It’s been essential for those who have specialised transport needs.
The service heavily relied on funding from the SIF to operate, like many third sector services.
The States’ spokesperson aimed to address any immediate concerns over transport options, but also denied claims that funding was withdrawn.
Instead, the States have promised plans to improve Guernsey’s community transport provision are in the works.
The spokesperson pointed to several services that are open to the public if needed.
These include the Voluntary Car Service, Income Support, and the Non-Emergency Patient Transfer Service.
The States’ spokesperson explained how people can get help from the grant funded Non-Emergency Patient Transfer Service if they need it.
“Health & Social Care also provides a grant to the Non-Emergency Patient Transfer Service operated by the St John Ambulance and Rescue Service. This service provides transport for patients who are unable to travel by other means to medical appointments in primary care or at the hospital.
“Referrals into the service are through a doctor or other healthcare professional and is intended for people who struggle to walk or need extra support during a journey due to a medical condition.”
The spokesperson added that the claims of Unltd’s funding being withdrawn contained “some inaccuracies”, that would be “addressed shortly”.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the States of Guernsey has not withdrawn any recent funding from charities who provide community transport.
“Instead, the States of Guernsey is already proactively working on a cross-organisation project to develop a joined-up plan for community transport, including how it can work with the charities sector to deliver this.
“In addition, the comments made by the charity contain some inaccuracies which will be addressed shortly.”