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Railways Bill Implementation

The Railways Bill, implemented by the Department for Transport, reforms the structure and governance of rail services in Great Britain, with devolved arrangements for Scotland and Wales through memoranda of understanding. The bill is currently active with ongoing implementation including the East West Rail project and regional consultations.

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2026

10 events
27 Apr 2026 | Written question Department for Transport linked

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the answer of 18 September 2025 to Question UIN 76304, what progress has been made since that date towards to help enable the commencemen

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the answer of 18 September 2025 to Question UIN 76304, what progress has been made since that date towards to help enable the commencement of passenger services on each …

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10 Feb 2026 | Committee report linked

The 2025 Spending Review has provided welcome clarity on what inherited enhancements the Department is proceeding with and those which it has decided to pause. Such announcements do not, however, provide 51 information in the format or detail necessary to populate a pipeline which can be traced clearly over time and which provides consistency of information to the rail sector. The outcomes of Spending Reviews, fiscal events and other Government announcements, insofar as they affect railway en...

The 2025 Spending Review has provided welcome clarity on what inherited enhancements the Department is proceeding with and those which it has decided to pause. Such announcements do not, however, provide 51 information in the format or detail necessary to …

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10 Feb 2026 | Committee report linked

We welcome the Government’s recognition that industry fragmentation has contributed to siloed decision-making and misaligned incentives between stakeholders, and its commitment to establishing a whole- system organisation, Great British Railways, to tackle this. We look forward to holding GBR and Ministers accountable for delivering on the promise of better and more integrated investment decisions. (Conclusion, Paragraph 117)

We welcome the Government’s recognition that industry fragmentation has contributed to siloed decision-making and misaligned incentives between stakeholders, and its commitment to establishing a whole- system organisation, Great British Railways, to tackle this. We look forward to holding GBR and …

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10 Feb 2026 | Committee report linked

Departmental committees have an important contribution to make to scrutiny of legislation, being less adversarial and more specialist than Bill committees, and being able to continue scrutiny of the policy implementation long after the legislation is passed. (Conclusion, Paragraph 9) 32

Departmental committees have an important contribution to make to scrutiny of legislation, being less adversarial and more specialist than Bill committees, and being able to continue scrutiny of the policy implementation long after the legislation is passed. (Conclusion, Paragraph 9) …

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10 Feb 2026 | Committee report linked

We urge the Government to consider how best to manage the timetabling of major legislation in the House of Commons to give a reasonable opportunity for relevant departmental select committees to conduct complementary scrutiny. (Recommendation, Paragraph 10) A better railway for passengers

We urge the Government to consider how best to manage the timetabling of major legislation in the House of Commons to give a reasonable opportunity for relevant departmental select committees to conduct complementary scrutiny. (Recommendation, Paragraph 10) A better railway …

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10 Feb 2026 | Committee report linked

There is inevitably a tension between realising the value of a truly long- term strategy and recognising that governments must retain discretion and flexibility. It is essential that the Long Term Rail Strategy does not lose continuity and become in effect a series of short-term strategies. The Bill should be amended to require that the Strategy be laid before Parliament, and that, where the Secretary of State makes substantive changes, it be required to be laid again in its amended form. (Re...

There is inevitably a tension between realising the value of a truly long- term strategy and recognising that governments must retain discretion and flexibility. It is essential that the Long Term Rail Strategy does not lose continuity and become in …

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10 Feb 2026 | Committee report linked

We welcome the Government’s original commitment to publishing the draft GBR licence before the Bill leaves the House of Commons. We urge the Government to publish at least an initial draft of GBR’s licence before the Bill’s Report Stage so that the draft can be subject to scrutiny by the House of Commons. (Conclusion, Paragraph 33) 33

We welcome the Government’s original commitment to publishing the draft GBR licence before the Bill leaves the House of Commons. We urge the Government to publish at least an initial draft of GBR’s licence before the Bill’s Report Stage so …

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10 Feb 2026 | Committee report linked

It is not clear from the Bill how the Secretary of State, GBR and the ORR will be assessed on how they fulfil their clause 18 duties or how the duties will be enforced should they fall short. There is a danger that the Secretary of State’s interpretation of the duties may be overly dominant, which risks impairing the independence of ORR as a regulator. (Conclusion, Paragraph 43)

It is not clear from the Bill how the Secretary of State, GBR and the ORR will be assessed on how they fulfil their clause 18 duties or how the duties will be enforced should they fall short. There is …

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10 Feb 2026 | Committee report linked

The Passengers’ Council will be required by the Bill to protect passengers’ rights through monitoring operators’ compliance with its standards and receiving, considering and investigating complaints. It must be trusted to carry out that role. We consider it unlikely in the extreme that the Council would find a frivolous matter worthy of referral to ORR for enforcement. The Bill should therefore be amended to require ORR to take action from the range of enforcement actions open to them, unless...

The Passengers’ Council will be required by the Bill to protect passengers’ rights through monitoring operators’ compliance with its standards and receiving, considering and investigating complaints. It must be trusted to carry out that role. We consider it unlikely in …

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10 Feb 2026 | Committee report linked

Mechanisms in the Bill comprising the new statutory role for Mayoral Strategic Authorities (MSAs) could risk being too subject to goodwill. GBR should be required to enter into mayoral partnerships when requested to do so by an MSA whose request meets certain criteria in line with the Long Term Rail Strategy. MSAs should be statutory consultees on the Long Term Rail Strategy, and GBR should be required to give weight to—not simply have regard to—the Local Transport Plans of MSAs and Passenger...

Mechanisms in the Bill comprising the new statutory role for Mayoral Strategic Authorities (MSAs) could risk being too subject to goodwill. GBR should be required to enter into mayoral partnerships when requested to do so by an MSA whose request …

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2025

2 events
20 Mar 2025 | Committee report linked

We welcome the focus in the Government’s rail reform consultation paper on streamlining, consolidating and strengthening powers for protecting passenger interests, resolving complaints and monitoring rights and standards. However, the focus on accessibility in the consultation document appears relatively weak in comparison to the severity of the problem. It will be necessary for the passenger watchdog to have substantial expertise in and resources dedicated to accessibility and inclusion if i...

We welcome the focus in the Government’s rail reform consultation paper on streamlining, consolidating and strengthening powers for protecting passenger interests, resolving complaints and monitoring rights and standards. However, the focus on accessibility in the consultation document appears relat

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28 Feb 2025 | Committee report linked

In follow–up evidence, the Department confirmed that the total cost of building the structure will be £95 million (in 2019 prices). The Department also reported that the cost of building that section of the railway, irrespective of any mitigation works, would have been £73 million, meaning that the bat structure more than doubled the costs of that section of railway to £168 million.43

In follow–up evidence, the Department confirmed that the total cost of building the structure will be £95 million (in 2019 prices). The Department also reported that the cost of building that section of the railway, irrespective of any mitigation works, …

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2024

7 events
27 May 2024 | Committee report linked

We are not convinced that the Department has paid sufficient attention, in advance of the delayed creation of Great British Railways, to the changes it can make now to improve the situation for passengers and taxpayers. The Department expected its reform programme to result in annual savings of £1.5 billion. But GBR has not yet been established and this scale of saving will not materialise for many years. The Department is framing its ambitions for rail reform around the introduction of GBR, ...

We are not convinced that the Department has paid sufficient attention, in advance of the delayed creation of Great British Railways, to the changes it can make now to improve the situation for passengers and taxpayers. The Department expected its …

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27 May 2024 | Committee report linked

Six years since the Department started work on rail reform, it has failed to resolve fundamental disagreements and clarify key aspects of reform. The Department acknowledges that, while its white paper set the broad direction and detail for some areas of reform, there were still disagreements with HM Treasury and other stakeholders in some important areas. Unresolved issues remain regarding the extent of GBR’s role and responsibilities including the level of independence and ability it will h...

Six years since the Department started work on rail reform, it has failed to resolve fundamental disagreements and clarify key aspects of reform. The Department acknowledges that, while its white paper set the broad direction and detail for some areas …

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27 May 2024 | Committee report linked

On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Department for Transport (the Department) and Network Rail, in its capacity as lead for the Great British Railways Transition Team (GBRTT), about rail reform.1

On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Department for Transport (the Department) and Network Rail, in its capacity as lead for the Great British Railways Transition Team (GBRTT), about rail …

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27 May 2024 | Committee report linked

Government and industry reviews of the railways over the past two decades have identified similar problems to the Williams review.11 We asked the Department why these reviews had failed to lead to improvements. It said that reviews have not always looked at the whole of the railway in its entirety as a system and that, improving the performance of the railway, both financially and for passengers, requires an examination of the whole system, which is what the Williams Review did, and which is ...

Government and industry reviews of the railways over the past two decades have identified similar problems to the Williams review.11 We asked the Department why these reviews had failed to lead to improvements. It said that reviews have not always …

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27 May 2024 | Committee report linked

The Department’s scale of activity compared to its initial reform programme is much reduced. Its focus is on three types of work: short-term benefits it can achieve without legislation; promoting greater collaboration and culture change within the rail sector; and continuing some work on the future end state for reform.31 We asked the Department what realistic progress they can make without legislation. It told us it cannot do the complete job but can make inroads and is concentrating on seve...

The Department’s scale of activity compared to its initial reform programme is much reduced. Its focus is on three types of work: short-term benefits it can achieve without legislation; promoting greater collaboration and culture change within the rail sector; and …

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27 May 2024 | Committee report linked

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

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, …

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27 May 2024 | Committee report linked

Good policy is made through involving stakeholders. We asked about the Department’s engagement with the workforce and how it understands the practical realities and challenges facing those responsible for implementing policy on the ground. The Department told us that when its officials supported the Williams Review, they consulted very widely with trade unions and workers across the railway, to make sure there was a good understanding of perspectives. It said that, as it has taken forward ref...

Good policy is made through involving stakeholders. We asked about the Department’s engagement with the workforce and how it understands the practical realities and challenges facing those responsible for implementing policy on the ground. The Department told us that when …

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2022

1 event
27 Jul 2022 | Committee report linked

The Department for Transport and Network Rail should set out a timetable for implementing a detailed mitigation strategy to minimise disruption caused by the implementation of the IRP. This should set out a strategy for each individual project and must include plans for consultation with local communities and stakeholders, in partnership with local authorities.

The Department for Transport and Network Rail should set out a timetable for implementing a detailed mitigation strategy to minimise disruption caused by the implementation of the IRP. This should set out a strategy for each individual project and must …

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2021

18 events
13 Dec 2021 | Committee report linked

Many of the proposed changes in electoral law are not being made on the face of the Bill, but will be determined by secondary legislation. The melange of delegated powers provided for in this Bill serves to highlight, and potentially adds to, the complexity of an already disparate body of electoral law. We are disappointed that more of the detail regarding how the measures to be introduced via this Bill are to be implemented is being left to secondary legislation rather than being included on...

Many of the proposed changes in electoral law are not being made on the face of the Bill, but will be determined by secondary legislation. The melange of delegated powers provided for in this Bill serves to highlight, and potentially …

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22 Sep 2021 | Committee report linked

We asked the Department about the private sector investment that would be needed as part of delivering the benefits expected from the programme. The Department told us that it had started to take steps to encourage private sector investment to ensure these were delivered. For example, it was working with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation on their investment plans and the government had announced £50 million in the ...

We asked the Department about the private sector investment that would be needed as part of delivering the benefits expected from the programme. The Department told us that it had started to take steps to encourage private sector investment to …

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14 Jul 2021 | Committee report linked

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 Commission, chaired by Lord Burns, demonstrated the relationship between enhanced rail infrastructure, integrated public transport, decarbonisation and, ultimately, improved quality of life. Lord Burns’ commission made a conv...

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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14 Jul 2021 | Committee report linked

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 Wales Office must ensure that key routes in Wales are considered in this context.

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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14 Jul 2021 | Committee report linked

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 of itself, the Welsh Government, Network Rail, the rail operators providing services in Wales, and Transport for Wales. The Board would be tasked with identifying and developing a prioritised set of proposals for rail infrastructure impr...

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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14 Jul 2021 | Committee report linked

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 structure will lessen its focus on supporting an all-Wales approach to integrated transport. Network Rail’s regional structure must flex to afford Wales the degree of prioritisation it requires.

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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14 Jul 2021 | Committee report linked

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 benefits of the existing management arrangements are considerable. The liabilities associated with rail infrastructure are significant. The economies of scale available via the existing management structure are of benefit to Wales and help to...

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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14 Jul 2021 | Committee report linked

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 and cross border routes are vital for commuters and intercity 36 Railway Infrastructure in Wales travellers alike. Wales’s geography means its rail network depends on infrastructure in England and, wherever responsibility for management resides...

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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14 Jul 2021 | Committee report linked

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 which to negotiate new arrangements which should support the enhancement of rail infrastructure as part of a joined-up approach to public transport across all of Wales. (Paragraph 79) Funding

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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7 Jul 2021 | Committee report linked

Published information from the Department and the Office of Rail and Road on whole-system costs and revenues is not sufficient to inform proper oversight of the rail system, given the extent of taxpayer exposure. The arrangements for delivering rail services in England involve complex financial flows and contractual obligations between a range of private and public sector bodies. The lack of a complete set of public data makes it difficult for Parliament and taxpayers to understand the overal...

Published information from the Department and the Office of Rail and Road on whole-system costs and revenues is not sufficient to inform proper oversight of the rail system, given the extent of taxpayer exposure. The arrangements for delivering rail services …

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7 Jul 2021 | Committee report linked

Since privatisation in the 1990s, cash flows in the rail system have become increasingly complex. Although the rail system is privatised, government still provides significant funding for infrastructure operations, maintenance and renewals, and ongoing subsidy for passenger service operations. The National Audit office’s report identifies that the lack of a complete set of public data makes it difficult for Parliament and taxpayers to understand the overall financial position of the rail syst...

Since privatisation in the 1990s, cash flows in the rail system have become increasingly complex. Although the rail system is privatised, government still provides significant funding for infrastructure operations, maintenance and renewals, and ongoing subsidy for passenger service operations. The …

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7 Jul 2021 | Committee report linked

The Rail white paper outlines government’s plans for a new rail system, with one body responsible for overseeing infrastructure and passenger services and with less complex financial transactions.32 The Office of Rail and Road told us that such a “guiding mind” could add much needed accountability for the whole system.33

The Rail white paper outlines government’s plans for a new rail system, with one body responsible for overseeing infrastructure and passenger services and with less complex financial transactions.32 The Office of Rail and Road told us that such a “guiding …

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7 Jul 2021 | Written evidence linked

On the basis of a Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Department for Transport (the Department), Network Rail and the Office of Rail and Road on costs in the English rail system.1 We also received written evidence from a number of stakeholder bodies and private firms.

On the basis of a Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Department for Transport (the Department), Network Rail and the Office of Rail and Road on costs in the English rail system.1 We also …

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7 Jul 2021 | Written evidence linked

The Department acknowledged that long-term, strategic direction on electrification is needed to provide market certainty for operators, rolling stock companies and the procurement of trains that will be able to operate on the network and to drive innovation. It also recognised that its erratic approach had resulted in “some extremely inefficient outcomes in terms of cost”.56 Written evidence we received highlighted that the Department’s piecemeal approach to electrification projects to date h...

The Department acknowledged that long-term, strategic direction on electrification is needed to provide market certainty for operators, rolling stock companies and the procurement of trains that will be able to operate on the network and to drive innovation. It also …

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23 Mar 2021 | Committee report linked

While we recognise the immediate challenges brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, we are concerned about the frequent delays to the publication of the Department’s Transport Decarbonisation Plan and the Rail Reform White Paper based on the Williams Review. These delays have unfortunately compounded the difficulties for the rail industry to plan and invest in the development of a carbon- free railway.

While we recognise the immediate challenges brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, we are concerned about the frequent delays to the publication of the Department’s Transport Decarbonisation Plan and the Rail Reform White Paper based on the Williams Review. These …

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23 Mar 2021 | Committee report linked

Rail electrification projects within Great Britain have historically been costly. The Department and Network Rail have said that lessons have been learned from previous projects. The importance of this cannot be overstated. The mistakes that unnecessarily increased the cost of previous schemes should not be repeated.

Rail electrification projects within Great Britain have historically been costly. The Department and Network Rail have said that lessons have been learned from previous projects. The importance of this cannot be overstated. The mistakes that unnecessarily increased the cost of …

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23 Mar 2021 | Committee report linked

The scale of change required to meet the 2040 and 2050 rail decarbonisation targets is considerable. We believe it would be beneficial to start the electrification programme as soon as possible, rather than wait for the start of the next control period in 2024. This would also enable the industry to retain the workforce skills and experience it has developed through recent electrification schemes.

The scale of change required to meet the 2040 and 2050 rail decarbonisation targets is considerable. We believe it would be beneficial to start the electrification programme as soon as possible, rather than wait for the start of the next …

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23 Mar 2021 | Committee report linked

The long-term rail decarbonisation strategy must explain the process by which the development of alternative technologies will be reviewed and how such technologies can be incorporated into the network strategy, if they reach the necessary level of development.(Paragraph 88) Decarbonising rail freight

The long-term rail decarbonisation strategy must explain the process by which the development of alternative technologies will be reviewed and how such technologies can be incorporated into the network strategy, if they reach the necessary level of development.(Paragraph 88) Decarbonising …

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