First Report - Railway Infrastructure in Wales
Select Committee
Welsh Affairs Committee
HC 438
14 July 2021
Government response
First Special Report - Railway infrastructure in Wales: Government response to the Committee’s First Report of Session 2021–22 · published 22 Sep 2021
Recommendations & Conclusions
8 results
1
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 34
There is a strong environmental and economic case for substantially enhancing the rail infrastructure that...
Conclusion
There is a strong environmental and economic case for substantially enhancing the rail infrastructure that serves Wales, and the passenger experience of slow services and inadequate stations only underlines the need for an upgraded network. The South East Wales Transport …
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Government Response Summary
The UK Government notes the committee's conclusion and details ongoing work, including Network Rail's development of an Outline Business Case for increasing speeds on the South Wales Relief Lines, which aligns with Lord Burns' findings and is expected for approval this year.
Wales Office
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3
Recommendation
Accepted
Para 36
A number of potential infrastructure upgrades suggested by witnesses to our inquiry are cross-border in...
Recommendation
A number of potential infrastructure upgrades suggested by witnesses to our inquiry are cross-border in nature, reflecting the relatively short distance between key urban areas such as Cardiff and Bristol in South Wales and Wrexham and Merseyside in the North …
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Government Response Summary
The government notes the recommendation and confirms that the independent Union Connectivity Review is ongoing, highlighting key concerns relating to Wales and establishing a £20m Union Connectivity Development Fund for promising schemes, with engagement continuing with the Welsh Government.
Wales Office
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11
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 77
If clear benefits for both passengers and freight users could be delivered by devolving rail...
Conclusion
If clear benefits for both passengers and freight users could be delivered by devolving rail infrastructure to the Welsh Government then the case for further devolution would be compelling. However, few benefits to rail users have been identified and the …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees in part with the Committee's conclusion regarding the benefits of existing management structures. It commits to establishing a new senior-level Board with Welsh Government, DfT, TfW, and Network Rail representation to develop a shared vision for rail infrastructure, and a Programme Delivery Group to steer enhancement schemes.
Wales Office
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12
Recommendation
Accepted
Para 78
However, even if one puts aside the question of affordability and liabilities, there is the...
Recommendation
However, even if one puts aside the question of affordability and liabilities, there is the issue of how closely connected and densely populated the border between Wales and England is. The mainline connecting north and south Wales runs through England …
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Government Response Summary
The UK Government agrees in part with the recommendation and proposes to establish a new senior-level Board, comprising DfT, Welsh Government, TfW, and Network Rail, to develop a shared vision and prioritised project pipeline for rail infrastructure in Wales, with terms of reference under discussion.
Wales Office
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13
Recommendation
Accepted
The Williams-Shapps review said that the UK Government wishes to establish a new working agreement...
Recommendation
The Williams-Shapps review said that the UK Government wishes to establish a new working agreement between Great British Railways (GBR) and Transport for Wales. We believe that the Wales Rail Board we have recommended would be the correct setting in …
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Government Response Summary
The government recognizes the benefits and proposes to establish a senior-level Board with director-level representation from key bodies, with Terms of Reference under discussion for an initial meeting this calendar year, including aspects relevant to GBR and TfW arrangements.
Wales Office
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14
Recommendation
Accepted
Para 105
We welcome the changes announced in the 2021 Spending Review which will reform the process...
Recommendation
We welcome the changes announced in the 2021 Spending Review which will reform the process by which the Treasury evaluates infrastructure projects. It is imperative that the Treasury’s approach to evaluating rail infrastructure proposals takes account of a broader range …
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Government Response Summary
The DfT states it continues to ensure HMT's review principles are integrated, having published revised Transport Business Case guidance that accounts for strategic priorities like levelling up, decarbonisation, distributional analysis, and place-based impacts for transport.
Wales Office
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17
Recommendation
Accepted
Para 110
Efforts should be made to develop synergies between climate mitigation efforts, such as protecting against...
Recommendation
Efforts should be made to develop synergies between climate mitigation efforts, such as protecting against rising sea-levels, and measures to protect transport infrastructure. Noting that significant Welsh transport infrastructure lies either adjacent to the coast or runs along valley lines …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the recommendation to develop synergies between climate mitigation and transport infrastructure protection. Network Rail is engaging on Shoreline Management Plans, has commenced a Whole Industry Strategic Plan workstream on Resilience and Climate Change, and has undertaken specific works to enhance infrastructure resilience.
Wales Office
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18
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 113
COVID-19 has posed an unprecedented challenge to the rail network and rail operators across the...
Conclusion
COVID-19 has posed an unprecedented challenge to the rail network and rail operators across the UK. Significant investment has been required from governments to keep services operational at a time when many workers have had to work from home as …
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Government Response Summary
DfT has implemented a new business planning process for TOCs and established a Rail Revenue Recovery Group to analyse demand and develop initiatives to stimulate industry and revenue recovery post-COVID. This includes encouraging passengers to return to rail and introducing initiatives like flexible season tickets.
Wales Office
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