18
Accepted
Department and HM Treasury fundamentally disagreed on GBR's remit, independence, and commercial model from the outset.
Conclusion
The Department intended that Great British Railways (GBR) would act as the ‘guiding mind’ for the railways, with responsibility for the whole rail system.40 But the Department and HM Treasury disagreed on key areas of rail reform from the start, including GBR’s remit and level of independence, the extent to which it or the private sector should set fares and services, and views on how best to maximise rail revenue and manage costs.41
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the committee, stating it is working closely with HM Treasury to define the role, function, and oversight of Great British Railways to ensure financial sustainability, with further legislative plans to be announced.
Government Response
Accepted
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Winter 2024. The department is working closely with HM Treasury, including on how it defines the role, function and oversight of Great British Railways to ensure the railway is financially sustainable as the railways are brought into public ownership. Further information will be set out on plans for legislation as soon as is practical.
Source
Committee
Public Accounts Committee
Report
Thirty-Eighth Report - Rail reform: The rail transformation programme
27 May 2024
HC 652
Addressee Bodies
HM Treasury
Timeline
Recommendation age
2.2 yrs
Report published
27 May 2024