AQW 35862/22-27

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 19/11/2025
Answered On Date: 10/12/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail whether (i) she has considered the findings of her Department’s evaluation report on the Local Links pilot; and (ii) any recommendations or next steps are planned as a result of the report.

Answer:

I welcome the findings of the Local Links Pilot evaluation report, which highlighted significant positive outcomes for asylum seekers, including improved mental health, better access to essential services, and enhanced community integration. Over 3,000 travel cards were issued during the course of the pilot, which provided six months free travel for participants, and survey results showed that 98% of participants felt free travel improved their mental health, while 97% felt that free travel helped them feel part of the local community.

As the pilot was funded through the British Home Office dispersal funding, the Department was unable to continue the scheme beyond its initial term. However, the positive outcomes will inform future decisions, including potential changes to the Concessionary Fares Scheme. A 2023 public consultation on proposed changes to the eligibility criteria for the Scheme included an option to extend the Scheme to all asylum seekers and victims of human trafficking. Due to the significant financial pressures facing the Department, it was not possible at that time to introduce any changes which would increase the costs of the Scheme. This option to provide concessionary travel to asylum seekers will be reconsidered should the financial position change.

The full evaluation report is available at:

https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/local-links-pilot-evaluation-report.