Following proposed changes that pose a real threat to the existence of the vital services of Community Transport Providers, I today held a meeting with Ryecat (Ryedale Community Transport) and North Yorkshire County Council to agree a way forward. Ryecat is a lifeline for many vulnerable people, offering affordable rural transport to those living in isolated areas who have hospital or other important appointments and also offer the excellent Wheels2Work moped scheme for those entering work. It also carries out some bus routes and home to school services in the most rural areas that regular commercial providers will not cover. Whilst it is generally agreed that Ryecat provides an indispensable service, the company operates under a special permitting regime to allow the use of volunteer drivers, which is the subject to challenge by some commercial operators who feel that this results in unfair competition. Ryecat is concerned that it may lose some of its commercial routes which would, in turn, mean that its community services could be in jeopardy. The Government is carrying out a consultation on how we make sure that there is fairness in the market place whilst still supporting the hugely important work of the community operators. Following our meeting, NYCC has confirmed that the status quo will be maintained until the consultation and review process is completed. I have also promised to take the matter up urgently with the Transport Minister to ensure that Ryecat drivers will have the permits they rely on renewed so that they can continue to deliver all these essential services.