Source · Select Committees · Transport Committee
Recommendation 28
28
Accepted
The Government has put together a strong case for the Integrated Rail Plan, but it...
Recommendation
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
Government Response 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 benefits where such information is available and can meaningfully be applied.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The Government accepts the recommendation, which is in line with its approach to, for example, cost and schedule forecasts for HS2. The IRP in fact already contains information about cost and date ranges. However, through the next stage of development, for example the SOBC for NPR, the Government expects to provide further information on ranges and sensitivities for both costs and benefits where such information is available and can meaningfully be applied. The IRP Technical Annex also shows ranges, for instance for expected value for money category, and expected delivery timescales.