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
5 results
5
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
Para 38
The Williams-Shapps White Paper sets out comprehensive reform of the British rail network and makes...
Recommendation
The Williams-Shapps White Paper sets out comprehensive reform of the British rail network and makes a strong case for electrification as the main mechanism for decarbonising rail travel. The Government’s analysis and commitment to technological upgrades is welcome and the …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees in part, reaffirming its commitment to a net zero rail network by 2050 and an ambitious electrification programme guided by Network Rail’s Traction Decarbonisation Network Strategy (TDNS).
Wales Office
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8
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
A number of witnesses to our inquiry suggested that a more joined-up and clearer approach...
Recommendation
A number of witnesses to our inquiry suggested that a more joined-up and clearer approach to Wales’s infrastructure needs was required in order to unlock investment. We therefore recommend that the UK Government should establish a Wales Rail Board, consisting …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees in part, proposing to establish a senior-level Board with director-level representation from relevant bodies, with Terms of Reference under discussion for an initial meeting this calendar year.
Wales Office
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10
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
Para 76
Network Rail’s revised structure has helped Network Rail respond to incidents in Wales, build relationships...
Recommendation
Network Rail’s revised structure has helped Network Rail respond to incidents in Wales, build relationships with Transport for Wales (TfW) and sharpen its focus on Wales and borders services. However, Network Rail should be alive to concerns that its regional …
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Government Response Summary
The government notes the recommendation and states that while Network Rail operates at arm’s length, DfT will work with Network Rail and ORR to ensure its regional structure remains flexible and can prioritise operations for local requirements in Wales.
Wales Office
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16
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
The development of the HS2 programme in England could yield direct benefits to Welsh rail...
Recommendation
The development of the HS2 programme in England could yield direct benefits to Welsh rail passengers if it is accompanied by enhancements to the North Wales mainline, including the upgrades at Chester and Crewe stations which will be required for …
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Government Response Summary
The government notes the recommendation and is developing an Outline Business Case with Network Rail for journey time improvements on the North Wales Coast Main Line, aiming to increase line speeds and improve journey times, with work expected to conclude in February 2022. This addresses part of the recommendation for an upgrade, but not explicitly the 'full strategic case for electrification'.
Wales Office
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19
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
We are concerned that Covid-19 should not be used as a pretext for halting investment...
Recommendation
We are concerned that Covid-19 should not be used as a pretext for halting investment which, in the long term, would only further cement the car as the transport mode of choice in Wales. Instead this should be an opportunity …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees in part, recognizing the benefits of the proposed Wales Rail Board and proposing to establish a senior-level Board with the specified remit. However, it notes that rail enhancement budgets were redirected due to COVID-19 and difficult circumstances persist.
Wales Office
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