Source · Select Committees · Transport Committee
Recommendation 27
27
Accepted
Clarify Great British Railways' autonomy in enhancements planning and ministerial oversight to prevent micromanagement.
Recommendation
We want Great British Railways to reach its potential for making unified decisions over track and train informed by expertise in railway systems. We expect political leaders to set its strategic direction and hold it accountable for delivery, but micromanagement would work against the best interests of passengers and industry. The Department must be clear about the level of autonomy it expects GBR to exercise in enhancements planning, and how ministerial oversight will be exercised in a way that does not jeopardise the investment pipeline. (Recommendation, Paragraph 120) 54
Government Response Summary
The government states that ministerial oversight of Great British Railways will focus on setting long-term objectives, approving major funding commitments and holding GBR to account for delivery, rather than micromanaging individual scheme decisions.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The Government expects Great British Railways to exercise professional judgment and systems expertise in planning and sequencing its activities within the strategic framework set by Ministers. Ministerial oversight will focus on setting long-term objectives, approving major funding commitments and holding GBR to account for delivery, rather than micromanaging individual scheme, service and investment decisions. This balance is intended to support stable, evidence-based decision-making while protecting the credibility of the investment pipeline and ensuring accountability for public expenditure.