Source · Select Committees · Transport Committee
Recommendation 8
8
Accepted
Paragraph: 32
The Government must remain open to the possibility that this thorough reassessment of the evidence...
Recommendation
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.
Government Response 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.
Paragraph Reference:
32
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The Government accepts this recommendation. The Government recognises the impact that rail improvements could have on helping Bradford to level up. The IRP committed to improving journey times to as low as 12 minutes between Bradford and Leeds as part of its core pipeline. The Government currently stands by the conclusions of the IRP on Bradford, and the benefits that plan brings to the city. However, in light of this recommendation, a re- assessment of the evidence for better connecting Bradford and the case for a new station will now form part of the NPR development programme and the HS2 to Leeds Study, with any options that may be taken forward to be funded through the IRP’s £96bn envelope. The second phase of Bradford master planning work agreed as part of the West Yorkshire Devolution Deal will help assess the wider regeneration and economic benefits a new station could achieve. Future decisions on potential further rail interventions for Bradford will be taken once this work is complete. If any options are taken forward, these will need to be deliverable and affordable within the IRP’s £96 billion envelope and will need to provide value for money for the taxpayer.