We l s h r a i l
Levelling up funding for Welsh railway projects Stephen Crabb MP discusses the inquiry examining the country’s railway infrastructure
A
n inquiry is underway looking into how levels of funding for Welsh railway projects are decided and infrastructure needs identified. As part of this, it is also examining the impact of COVID-19 and the potential opportunities of the Union Connectivity Review. It comes as ministers in Wales have expressed concerns of underinvestment in Wales, which Transport Minister Ken Skates says has impacted productivity and economic performance, as well as contributed to other transport bottlenecks. Opportunities for Wales Stephen Crabb MP is Chair of the Welsh Affairs Committee, which is leading the inquiry. He said: “The idea behind our inquiry is to take a comprehensive look at how decisions are made regarding rail infrastructure in Wales, understand what factors influence the way funding is distributed within the UK, and see what opportunities exist for Wales to secure additional investment in its rail network in the future. “As we seek to meet our net-zero ambitions, it is clear that a reliable and modern rail network will be of increasing importance. However, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, rail operators face unprecedented challenges and uncertainty regarding their funding and levels of passenger demand. This in turn raises important questions about the sustainability of existing
routes, let alone investment in new services and infrastructure. “We’ll be looking at the challenges the pandemic has posed, as well as the effectiveness of UK-Welsh Government cooperation, and the question of where responsibility should lie for rail infrastructure in Wales.” Challenging times The inquiry comes at a time of great change for the railways. In September, the UK Government announced that it was ending rail franchising to bring in a new model more focused on service reliability and passenger outcomes, while the Welsh Government will nationalise Transport for Wales services from February next year. Meanwhile, the Union Connectivity Review, which is looking at ways of improving transport links across all four UK nations, is due to report next summer. Stephen said: “This inquiry comes at a time of unprecedented challenges arising from the coronavirus pandemic and when the UK is resetting its relationship with rail operators. It is also, therefore, an important opportunity for us to examine Wales’ rail infrastructure and investment needs, and we are particularly keen to ensure that our findings can inform the work of the Union Connectivity Review. “Our committee is keen to make sure that Wales’ priorities are represented and to offer
Terms of reference Where does responsibility lie for rail infrastructure in Wales? How effectively do the UK and Welsh Governments cooperate with one another in the management, and funding, of rail infrastructure in Wales? Should responsibility for railway infrastructure in Wales be fully devolved? What share of investment has Wales secured in its rail infrastructure since privatisation came into effect in 1994, and how sufficient is that level of investment?
52 | January 2021
How is funding allocated to rail infrastructure projects across the UK and how are the different infrastructure needs of the regions and nations of the UK assessed? What will be the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic for the railway network in Wales (including the sustainability of services and potential impact on investment in the railway infrastructure)? What opportunities are there for Wales as a result of the recently launched Union Connectivity Review?
constructive, cross-party recommendations on how they can be made most effectively.” As part of the inquiry, the committee wants to hear peoples’ views, welcoming submissions from anyone to the questions in the call for evidence, until February 26, 2021. Stephen said: “The level of rail infrastructure investment over the years is an important question that we’ll be looking at as part of the inquiry. We’ll consult the evidence we receive from the widest possible range of stakeholders before reaching a conclusion on this. It’s important we take on board all views to reach a constructive consensus. That’s why we’re calling on anyone with a view on the levels of funding in rail infrastructure in Wales, how decisions are and should be made, or anything else covered in our inquiry’s terms of reference to submit their evidence on our website. “Whether or not Wales has got its fair share, the critical point is that investment reaches the levels needed to bring services more on par with those of the rest of the UK going forward, especially considering the ‘levelling-up’ agenda.” railbusinessdaily.com
