Recommendations & Conclusions
13 items
1
Conclusion
Second Report - The Integrated Rail Pla…
Accepted
We welcome the scale of the Government’s promised spending on improving rail in the North and the Midlands. £96 billion is a very substantial sum; it has the potential to transform rail travel for future generations and make a significant contribution to levelling up the country.
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We welcome the scale of the Government’s promised spending on improving rail in the North and the Midlands. £96 billion is a very substantial sum; it has the potential to transform rail travel for future generations and make a significant contribution to levelling up the country.
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts the rationale for this recommendation, though it will take longer than the suggested timeframe, and confirms it remains committed to looking at alternatives to the Golborne Link to deliver similar benefits to Scotland, and alternatives will be considered while maintaining safeguarding along …
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Department for Transport
4
Conclusion
Second Report - The Integrated Rail Pla…
Accepted
The failure to calculate an updated benefit-cost ratio (BCR) raises questions over whether the case for changes to the HS2 Eastern leg have been properly assessed. It is concerning that the Government would make a decision on such an important infrastructure project before having done the BCR calculations to fully …
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The failure to calculate an updated benefit-cost ratio (BCR) raises questions over whether the case for changes to the HS2 Eastern leg have been properly assessed. It is concerning that the Government would make a decision on such an important infrastructure project before having done the BCR calculations to fully understand and substantiate that decision. This is particularly so given previous BCR calculations suggested that the economic case for the Eastern leg was stronger than that for the Western leg.
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts the rationale for this recommendation and will continue to provide updated economic assessments of HS2 at key decision points for the programme, and intends to provide a proportionate economic assessment, including BCRs, alongside other options considered in the HS2 to Leeds transport …
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Department for Transport
5
Recommendation
Second Report - The Integrated Rail Pla…
Accepted
To take account of the changes of plan for the HS2 Eastern leg and to inform current and future decision-making, the Department for Transport should publish by March 2023 an updated BCR for (a) the entire HS2 project and (b) the previous full proposals for the Eastern leg of HS2 …
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To take account of the changes of plan for the HS2 Eastern leg and to inform current and future decision-making, the Department for Transport should publish by March 2023 an updated BCR for (a) the entire HS2 project and (b) the previous full proposals for the Eastern leg of HS2 Phase 2b. The methodology used must fully reflect impacts on regional inequalities.
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Government response AI summary
The government will develop and expand on the wider economic and levelling up benefits in future business cases, including proposals for HS2 East and the HS2 to Leeds Study, and will publish the NPR Strategic Outline Business Case later this year.
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Department for Transport
6
Conclusion
Second Report - The Integrated Rail Pla…
Accepted
Without having completed a full analysis of the wider economic impacts, it is difficult to see how the Government has fully assessed the levelling-up agenda and the case for different NPR options. Leaving out these key elements of analysis means that the value for money and economic return cannot be …
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Without having completed a full analysis of the wider economic impacts, it is difficult to see how the Government has fully assessed the levelling-up agenda and the case for different NPR options. Leaving out these key elements of analysis means that the value for money and economic return cannot be compared and validated.
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Government response AI summary
The government will publish the terms of reference for the work on wider economic impacts before the summer recess and anticipates that the study will take around 18 months.
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Department for Transport
7
Conclusion
Second Report - The Integrated Rail Pla…
Accepted
The Government’s levelling up agenda commits it to ending geographical inequality in the UK. However, by underserving the rail needs of the North of England it is letting down those who require change the most. Upgrading lines will undoubtedly bring modest benefits to rail services in the North and Midlands, …
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The Government’s levelling up agenda commits it to ending geographical inequality in the UK. However, by underserving the rail needs of the North of England it is letting down those who require change the most. Upgrading lines will undoubtedly bring modest benefits to rail services in the North and Midlands, but not to the 34 The Integrated Rail Plan for the North and Midlands transformative extent necessary to end regional imbalances. The evidence base for the IRP must be reconsidered in the light of these aims, if this once-in-a-generation investment in rail is not to be a missed opportunity.
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts the recommendation subject to the future conclusions of the HS2 to Leeds Study and will work with local partners to ensure Leeds station has capacity to meet the additional services outlined in the IRP by 2035, including platform extensions and improvements to …
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Department for Transport
8
Recommendation
Second Report - The Integrated Rail Pla…
Accepted
The Government must remain open to the possibility that this thorough reassessment of the evidence base, taking full account of the impact on levelling up communities in the North and Midlands, may show that Options 2 or 3 for Northern Powerhouse Rail represent the best potential value. If so, they …
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The Government must remain open to the possibility that this thorough reassessment of the evidence base, taking full account of the impact on levelling up communities in the North and Midlands, may show that Options 2 or 3 for Northern Powerhouse Rail represent the best potential value. If so, they must grasp that nettle. Extra costs are not to be incurred lightly, but a significantly better outcome for our economy and communities is a worthwhile investment for generations into the future.
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Government response AI summary
The government will reassess the evidence for better connecting Bradford and the case for a new station as part of the NPR development program and the HS2 to Leeds Study and stands by the conclusions of the IRP on Bradford.
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Department for Transport
11
Conclusion
Second Report - The Integrated Rail Pla…
Accepted
We welcome the Government’s pledge to look at how the Eastern leg of HS2 might be constructed in full to Leeds as originally planned; the city is a key focal point not only of existing rail networks, but of economic value and potential in the North.
Government response AI summary
The government accepts the recommendation and expects to provide further information on ranges and sensitivities for both costs and benefits where such information is available and can meaningfully be applied through the next stage of development.
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Department for Transport
12
Recommendation
Second Report - The Integrated Rail Pla…
Accepted
The Government must conduct its study on how best to take HS2 to Leeds urgently. We ask that a timetable for this work, including a firm date for the final report, be published by September 2022. This is essential for demonstrating that the commitment made to Leeds for high speed …
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The Government must conduct its study on how best to take HS2 to Leeds urgently. We ask that a timetable for this work, including a firm date for the final report, be published by September 2022. This is essential for demonstrating that the commitment made to Leeds for high speed connections will be fulfilled. (Paragraph 47) Stations and cities
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Government response AI summary
The government will publish the terms of reference for the HS2 to Leeds study before the summer recess, with the study anticipated to take around 18 months; however, the government states that the study does not guarantee further interventions.
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Department for Transport
15
Recommendation
Second Report - The Integrated Rail Pla…
Accepted
The Government should reconsider the case for the development of a new station in Bradford. The development of the St James’s Market station would not only enhance rail connectivity in the North, allowing further investment in the city, but also provide further opportunities for rail development in Bradford after the …
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The Government should reconsider the case for the development of a new station in Bradford. The development of the St James’s Market station would not only enhance rail connectivity in the North, allowing further investment in the city, but also provide further opportunities for rail development in Bradford after the ‘core pipeline’ of IRP upgrades take place.
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts the rationale for the recommendation and will address it on a project-by-project basis, with detailed mitigation already underway on TRU and HS2 through environmental controls and community engagement.
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Department for Transport
20
Conclusion
Second Report - The Integrated Rail Pla…
Accepted
The Government’s presentation of the benefits of the IRP core pipeline in comparison to previous plans should factor in time and cost ranges that reflect the contingency that will, realistically, be needed for such a large and complex package of work.
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The Government’s presentation of the benefits of the IRP core pipeline in comparison to previous plans should factor in time and cost ranges that reflect the contingency that will, realistically, be needed for such a large and complex package of work.
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts the recommendation and states that the IRP already contains information about cost and date ranges. They expect to provide further information on ranges and sensitivities for both costs and benefits where such information is available and can meaningfully be applied.
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Department for Transport
26
Conclusion
Second Report - The Integrated Rail Pla…
Accepted
Rail upgrades disrupt commuters, rail freight and timetabling. Disruption to existing services caused by upgrades to key rail lines may drive a modal shift from rail to car, which would work against the Government’s decarbonisation goals.
Government response AI summary
The government accepts the rationale and states that mitigation measures will be done on a project-by-project basis, with work already underway on TRU and HS2, managed through environmental controls and a Community Engagement Strategy.
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Department for Transport
27
Recommendation
Second Report - The Integrated Rail Pla…
Accepted
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 …
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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.
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts the rationale for a detailed mitigation strategy to minimize disruption caused by the IRP, to be done on a project-by-project basis, with work already underway on TRU and HS2 including consultation with communities and stakeholders.
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Department for Transport
28
Recommendation
Second Report - The Integrated Rail Pla…
Accepted
The Government has put together a strong case for the Integrated Rail Plan, but it is based on a best-case scenario which may not come to pass. Cost and time overruns for major infrastructure projects are commonplace, and disruption can be extensive and unforeseen. The promised journey time improvements may …
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The Government has put together a strong case for the Integrated Rail Plan, but it is based on a best-case scenario which may not come to pass. Cost and time overruns for major infrastructure projects are commonplace, and disruption can be extensive and unforeseen. The promised journey time improvements may not be achievable in practice, and the decision to replace some plans for new high-speed lines with upgrades will limit capacity gains. We urge the Government to produce more cautious estimates for the benefits that are realistically achievable under the IRP, so that the public and stakeholders across the country—especially in the North and Midlands—can assess the situation, plan ahead for the future, and be sure that the benefits will outweigh the drawbacks. (Paragraph 113) The Integrated Rail Plan for the North and Midlands 37
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts the recommendation to produce more cautious estimates for the benefits that are realistically achievable under the IRP, stating the IRP already contains information about cost and date ranges. They expect to provide further information on ranges and sensitivities for both costs and …
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Department for Transport