Railways: Capital Investment
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to ensure the maintenance of capital investment in rail infrastructure during the transition period to Great British Railways; and what assessment she has made of the risk of operational stasis from the transfer of budgetary and delivery responsibilities between Network Rail, operators and Great British Railways.
Answered by Simon Lightwood
This government remains committed to the existing settlement for the day-to-day running of the railway during the current funding period (2024 to 2029), including capital spend, and including through the transition from Network Rail to Great British Railways. There is also an average of £2 billion capital spend per year committed through the Rail Network Enhancement Pipeline during the current settlement period.
The integration of track and train is expected to bring significant benefit to passengers and taxpayers. Work to identify and leverage integration benefits, as well as to mitigate any potential risks associated with creating the new organisation and transferring responsibilities from other rail bodies, is already underway. The Railways Bill (2025) contains the appropriate provisions to facilitate a smooth transfer of responsibility from Network Rail.
Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →