Recommendations & Conclusions
19 items
1
Conclusion
First Report - Railway Infrastructure i…
Accepted
There is a strong environmental and economic case for substantially enhancing the rail infrastructure that serves Wales, and the passenger experience of slow services and inadequate stations only underlines the need for an upgraded network. The South East Wales Transport Commission, chaired by Lord Burns, demonstrated the relationship between enhanced …
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There is a strong environmental and economic case for substantially enhancing the rail infrastructure that serves Wales, and the passenger experience of slow services and inadequate stations only underlines the need for an upgraded network. The South East Wales Transport Commission, chaired by Lord Burns, demonstrated the relationship between enhanced rail infrastructure, integrated public transport, decarbonisation and, ultimately, improved quality of life. Lord Burns’ commission made a convincing case for significant investment in the key route from Cardiff to Bristol as a means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and driving a shift from car use to public transport. It is welcome that as a first step the UK Government is acting on Lord Burns’ findings by preparing a case to increase speeds on the relief lines that run through the Severn Tunnel.
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Government response AI summary
The UK Government notes the committee's conclusion and details ongoing work, including Network Rail's development of an Outline Business Case for increasing speeds on the South Wales Relief Lines, which aligns with Lord Burns' findings and is expected for approval this year.
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Wales Office
2
Recommendation
First Report - Railway Infrastructure i…
Deferred
Improving transport infrastructure within Wales must be a priority and should focus on how infrastructure initiatives can remedy deprivation, boost the Welsh economy and contribute to meeting decarbonisation targets. Enhancements should include a focus on improving connectivity within Wales, such as more efficient rail links between North and South Wales, …
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Improving transport infrastructure within Wales must be a priority and should focus on how infrastructure initiatives can remedy deprivation, boost the Welsh economy and contribute to meeting decarbonisation targets. Enhancements should include a focus on improving connectivity within Wales, such as more efficient rail links between North and South Wales, as well as between Wales and the rest of the UK.
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Government response AI summary
The government notes the recommendations and describes ongoing work from the Union Connectivity Review, including a £20m development fund and current review of proposals. It will consider funding for schemes as part of a forthcoming Spending Review after the final UCR report is published.
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Wales Office
3
Recommendation
First Report - Railway Infrastructure i…
Accepted
A number of potential infrastructure upgrades suggested by witnesses to our inquiry are cross-border in nature, reflecting the relatively short distance between key urban areas such as Cardiff and Bristol in South Wales and Wrexham and Merseyside in the North East. The cross-border rail connections between England and Wales, and …
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A number of potential infrastructure upgrades suggested by witnesses to our inquiry are cross-border in nature, reflecting the relatively short distance between key urban areas such as Cardiff and Bristol in South Wales and Wrexham and Merseyside in the North East. The cross-border rail connections between England and Wales, and the level of socio-economic integration between border communities in Wales and England, is unique within the UK and enhancing these connections should be central to the Union Connectivity Review.
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Government response AI summary
The government notes the recommendation and confirms that the independent Union Connectivity Review is ongoing, highlighting key concerns relating to Wales and establishing a £20m Union Connectivity Development Fund for promising schemes, with engagement continuing with the Welsh Government.
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Wales Office
4
Conclusion
First Report - Railway Infrastructure i…
Acknowledged
The Union Connectivity Review represents a significant opportunity to establish priorities for rail infrastructure which will not only support economic development and decarbonisation in Wales, but improve the experience of those passengers for whom cross-border travel is simply local commuting. The UK Government was elected on the basis of a …
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The Union Connectivity Review represents a significant opportunity to establish priorities for rail infrastructure which will not only support economic development and decarbonisation in Wales, but improve the experience of those passengers for whom cross-border travel is simply local commuting. The UK Government was elected on the basis of a clear commitment to infrastructure investment and its response to Sir Peter Hendy’s final report will be an early test of that commitment. It is critical that a complementary approach is adopted by the UK and Welsh governments in the development of Welsh rail projects.
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Government response AI summary
The government made £20m available for a Union Connectivity Development Fund, is reviewing proposals from Transport for Wales, and will consider funding for schemes as part of the forthcoming Spending Review following the final UCR report.
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Wales Office
5
Recommendation
First Report - Railway Infrastructure i…
Accepted in Part
The Williams-Shapps White Paper sets out comprehensive reform of the British rail network and makes a strong case for electrification as the main mechanism for decarbonising rail travel. The Government’s analysis and commitment to technological upgrades is welcome and the Wales Office must ensure that key routes in Wales are …
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The Williams-Shapps White Paper sets out comprehensive reform of the British rail network and makes a strong case for electrification as the main mechanism for decarbonising rail travel. The Government’s analysis and commitment to technological upgrades is welcome and the Wales Office must ensure that key routes in Wales are considered in this context.
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees in part, reaffirming its commitment to a net zero rail network by 2050 and an ambitious electrification programme guided by Network Rail’s Traction Decarbonisation Network Strategy (TDNS).
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Wales Office
6
Conclusion
First Report - Railway Infrastructure i…
Rejected
Both the South East Wales Transport Commission and the Williams-Shapps White Paper make a powerful case for the role rail, and in particular electrification, can play in the decarbonisation agenda. It underlines how short-sighted and regrettable Railway Infrastructure in Wales 35 the decision to cancel the electrification of the Great …
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Both the South East Wales Transport Commission and the Williams-Shapps White Paper make a powerful case for the role rail, and in particular electrification, can play in the decarbonisation agenda. It underlines how short-sighted and regrettable Railway Infrastructure in Wales 35 the decision to cancel the electrification of the Great Western mainline from Cardiff to Swansea was, as well as the potential value in economic and ecological terms of investing in greater connectivity between Swansea-Cardiff-Bristol.
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Government response AI summary
The government notes the conclusion, reiterates electrification's importance for decarbonisation, but defends its 2017 cancellation of the Cardiff-Swansea electrification due to cost and poor value for money, stating future decisions will be guided by Network Rail’s TDNS.
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Wales Office
7
Recommendation
First Report - Railway Infrastructure i…
Rejected
Bringing forward new proposals for greater connectivity between Swansea-Cardiff- Bristol, which would include completing electrification on the mainline between Cardiff and Swansea and a Swansea Bay Metro to integrate the public transport network westwards to Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire and feed rail patronage from Swansea, would be an important sign of …
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Bringing forward new proposals for greater connectivity between Swansea-Cardiff- Bristol, which would include completing electrification on the mainline between Cardiff and Swansea and a Swansea Bay Metro to integrate the public transport network westwards to Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire and feed rail patronage from Swansea, would be an important sign of the UK Government’s commitment to its green agenda and to improving connectivity across the UK. We call on the UK Government to produce draft proposals before the end of 2021.
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Government response AI summary
The UK Government notes the recommendations but rejects the call for electrification between Cardiff and Swansea, citing previous cancellation due to high costs and poor value for money, and defers future electrification decisions to Network Rail's technical review. It does not commit to producing draft …
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Wales Office
8
Recommendation
First Report - Railway Infrastructure i…
Accepted in Part
A number of witnesses to our inquiry suggested that a more joined-up and clearer approach to Wales’s infrastructure needs was required in order to unlock investment. We therefore recommend that the UK Government should establish a Wales Rail Board, consisting of itself, the Welsh Government, Network Rail, the rail operators …
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A number of witnesses to our inquiry suggested that a more joined-up and clearer approach to Wales’s infrastructure needs was required in order to unlock investment. We therefore recommend that the UK Government should establish a Wales Rail Board, consisting of itself, the Welsh Government, Network Rail, the rail operators providing services in Wales, and Transport for Wales. The Board would be tasked with identifying and developing a prioritised set of proposals for rail infrastructure improvement and investment in Wales. The Board should be established, with its membership and terms of reference published, by this Autumn. (Paragraph 41) Management of rail infrastructure
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees in part, proposing to establish a senior-level Board with director-level representation from relevant bodies, with Terms of Reference under discussion for an initial meeting this calendar year.
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Wales Office
9
Recommendation
First Report - Railway Infrastructure i…
Not Addressed
While we welcome the positive working relationship between the Welsh and UK governments on rail infrastructure projects, we are concerned that the UK Government’s Rail Network Enhancements Pipeline (RNEP) is too slow and hampers, rather than helps, the evaluation of infrastructure proposals. In response to this report we recommend that …
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While we welcome the positive working relationship between the Welsh and UK governments on rail infrastructure projects, we are concerned that the UK Government’s Rail Network Enhancements Pipeline (RNEP) is too slow and hampers, rather than helps, the evaluation of infrastructure proposals. In response to this report we recommend that the UK Government should set out its plans to reform RNEP with a view to accelerating the delivery of projects in Wales.
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Government response AI summary
The government's response, identical to the previous one, details plans to establish new governance boards to develop and deliver rail enhancements, but does not explicitly set out plans to reform the RNEP process itself.
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Wales Office
10
Recommendation
First Report - Railway Infrastructure i…
Accepted in Part
Network Rail’s revised structure has helped Network Rail respond to incidents in Wales, build relationships with Transport for Wales (TfW) and sharpen its focus on Wales and borders services. However, Network Rail should be alive to concerns that its regional structure will lessen its focus on supporting an all-Wales approach …
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Network Rail’s revised structure has helped Network Rail respond to incidents in Wales, build relationships with Transport for Wales (TfW) and sharpen its focus on Wales and borders services. However, Network Rail should be alive to concerns that its regional structure will lessen its focus on supporting an all-Wales approach to integrated transport. Network Rail’s regional structure must flex to afford Wales the degree of prioritisation it requires.
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Government response AI summary
The government notes the recommendation and states that while Network Rail operates at arm’s length, DfT will work with Network Rail and ORR to ensure its regional structure remains flexible and can prioritise operations for local requirements in Wales.
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Wales Office
11
Conclusion
First Report - Railway Infrastructure i…
Accepted
If clear benefits for both passengers and freight users could be delivered by devolving rail infrastructure to the Welsh Government then the case for further devolution would be compelling. However, few benefits to rail users have been identified and the benefits of the existing management arrangements are considerable. The liabilities …
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If clear benefits for both passengers and freight users could be delivered by devolving rail infrastructure to the Welsh Government then the case for further devolution would be compelling. However, few benefits to rail users have been identified and the benefits of the existing management arrangements are considerable. The liabilities associated with rail infrastructure are significant. The economies of scale available via the existing management structure are of benefit to Wales and help to limit the resource that might otherwise have to be committed to maintenance of the network rather than its enhancement.
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees in part with the Committee's conclusion regarding the benefits of existing management structures. It commits to establishing a new senior-level Board with Welsh Government, DfT, TfW, and Network Rail representation to develop a shared vision for rail infrastructure, and a Programme Delivery …
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Wales Office
12
Recommendation
First Report - Railway Infrastructure i…
Accepted
However, even if one puts aside the question of affordability and liabilities, there is the issue of how closely connected and densely populated the border between Wales and England is. The mainline connecting north and south Wales runs through England and cross border routes are vital for commuters and intercity …
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However, even if one puts aside the question of affordability and liabilities, there is the issue of how closely connected and densely populated the border between Wales and England is. The mainline connecting north and south Wales runs through England and cross border routes are vital for commuters and intercity 36 Railway Infrastructure in Wales travellers alike. Wales’s geography means its rail network depends on infrastructure in England and, wherever responsibility for management resides, the successful delivery of projects would still rely on strong, interdependent relationships between multiple organisations based on both sides of the border. Of most importance is that all parties, including the Department for Transport, Welsh Government, Transport for Wales and Network Rail, come together, under the auspices of the Wales Rail Board we have recommended earlier in this report, and develop a shared vision and project pipeline for rail in Wales.
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Government response AI summary
The UK Government agrees in part with the recommendation and proposes to establish a new senior-level Board, comprising DfT, Welsh Government, TfW, and Network Rail, to develop a shared vision and prioritised project pipeline for rail infrastructure in Wales, with terms of reference under discussion.
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Wales Office
13
Recommendation
First Report - Railway Infrastructure i…
Accepted
The Williams-Shapps review said that the UK Government wishes to establish a new working agreement between Great British Railways (GBR) and Transport for Wales. We believe that the Wales Rail Board we have recommended would be the correct setting in which to negotiate new arrangements which should support the enhancement …
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The Williams-Shapps review said that the UK Government wishes to establish a new working agreement between Great British Railways (GBR) and Transport for Wales. We believe that the Wales Rail Board we have recommended would be the correct setting in which to negotiate new arrangements which should support the enhancement of rail infrastructure as part of a joined-up approach to public transport across all of Wales. (Paragraph 79) Funding
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Government response AI summary
The government recognizes the benefits and proposes to establish a senior-level Board with director-level representation from key bodies, with Terms of Reference under discussion for an initial meeting this calendar year, including aspects relevant to GBR and TfW arrangements.
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Wales Office
14
Recommendation
First Report - Railway Infrastructure i…
Accepted
We welcome the changes announced in the 2021 Spending Review which will reform the process by which the Treasury evaluates infrastructure projects. It is imperative that the Treasury’s approach to evaluating rail infrastructure proposals takes account of a broader range of factors, such as regional economic inequalities and environmental benefits, …
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We welcome the changes announced in the 2021 Spending Review which will reform the process by which the Treasury evaluates infrastructure projects. It is imperative that the Treasury’s approach to evaluating rail infrastructure proposals takes account of a broader range of factors, such as regional economic inequalities and environmental benefits, than just benefit cost ratios. In light of the forthcoming publication of the Union Connectivity Review, we recommend that the evaluation process for rail infrastructure proposals in Wales factors in the UK Government’s strategic ambitions to strengthen connections between all parts of the UK.
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Government response AI summary
The DfT states it continues to ensure HMT's review principles are integrated, having published revised Transport Business Case guidance that accounts for strategic priorities like levelling up, decarbonisation, distributional analysis, and place-based impacts for transport.
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Wales Office
15
Recommendation
First Report - Railway Infrastructure i…
Rejected
HS2 is one of the largest infrastructure projects ever undertaken in the UK. It is a project of unprecedented size and complexity and has already created several thousand jobs as part of a supply chain that spans the country, including Wales. However, as rail infrastructure is not devolved, beyond the …
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HS2 is one of the largest infrastructure projects ever undertaken in the UK. It is a project of unprecedented size and complexity and has already created several thousand jobs as part of a supply chain that spans the country, including Wales. However, as rail infrastructure is not devolved, beyond the core valleys lines, to the Welsh Government, Wales will not benefit in the same way as Scotland and Northern Ireland from Barnett consequentials arising from the HS2 project. This is despite the fact that UK Government’s own analysis has concluded that HS2 will produce an economic disbenefit for Wales. We recommend that HS2 should be reclassified as an England only project. Using the Barnett formula, Wales’ funding settlement should be recalculated to apply an additional allocation based on the funding for HS2 in England. This would help to ensure that Welsh rail passengers receive the same advantage from investment in HS2 as those in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
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Government response AI summary
The government notes the recommendation but rejects reclassifying HS2 or recalculating Wales' funding settlement, stating that heavy rail is a reserved matter for which it spends directly in Wales. It also asserts that Wales has already received a significant Barnett uplift due to HS2 spending.
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Wales Office
16
Recommendation
First Report - Railway Infrastructure i…
Accepted in Part
The development of the HS2 programme in England could yield direct benefits to Welsh rail passengers if it is accompanied by enhancements to the North Wales mainline, including the upgrades at Chester and Crewe stations which will be required for full electrification of the North Wales mainline to proceed. We …
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The development of the HS2 programme in England could yield direct benefits to Welsh rail passengers if it is accompanied by enhancements to the North Wales mainline, including the upgrades at Chester and Crewe stations which will be required for full electrification of the North Wales mainline to proceed. We recommend that the UK Government, working in partnership with the Welsh Government, should prepare a full strategic case for the upgrade and electrification of the North Wales mainline. Consolidating the benefits of HS2 for Wales by reducing journey times within North Railway Infrastructure in Wales 37 Wales, increasing freight capacity and improving connections from Holyhead to the West Coast main line would be consistent with the UK Government’s economic and environmental objectives and with the objectives of the Union Connectivity Review. (Paragraph 107) The implications of Covid-19
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Government response AI summary
The government notes the recommendation and is developing an Outline Business Case with Network Rail for journey time improvements on the North Wales Coast Main Line, aiming to increase line speeds and improve journey times, with work expected to conclude in February 2022. This addresses …
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Wales Office
17
Recommendation
First Report - Railway Infrastructure i…
Accepted
Efforts should be made to develop synergies between climate mitigation efforts, such as protecting against rising sea-levels, and measures to protect transport infrastructure. Noting that significant Welsh transport infrastructure lies either adjacent to the coast or runs along valley lines (often alongside rivers), we believe there are significant opportunities to …
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Efforts should be made to develop synergies between climate mitigation efforts, such as protecting against rising sea-levels, and measures to protect transport infrastructure. Noting that significant Welsh transport infrastructure lies either adjacent to the coast or runs along valley lines (often alongside rivers), we believe there are significant opportunities to link efforts and budgets to protect transport infrastructure to wider community protection.
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees with the recommendation to develop synergies between climate mitigation and transport infrastructure protection. Network Rail is engaging on Shoreline Management Plans, has commenced a Whole Industry Strategic Plan workstream on Resilience and Climate Change, and has undertaken specific works to enhance infrastructure …
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Wales Office
18
Conclusion
First Report - Railway Infrastructure i…
Accepted
COVID-19 has posed an unprecedented challenge to the rail network and rail operators across the UK. Significant investment has been required from governments to keep services operational at a time when many workers have had to work from home as a consequence of the pandemic. The medium to longer term …
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COVID-19 has posed an unprecedented challenge to the rail network and rail operators across the UK. Significant investment has been required from governments to keep services operational at a time when many workers have had to work from home as a consequence of the pandemic. The medium to longer term implications of the pandemic for work habits, namely whether it will result in a permanent shift towards working from home, at least on a more frequent basis, are hard to predict at this stage. However, what has not altered as a result of the pandemic is the long- term need to decarbonise, improve air quality and reduce congestion by moving passengers away from cars and towards public transport on key routes such as the corridor between Newport and Cardiff.
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Government response AI summary
DfT has implemented a new business planning process for TOCs and established a Rail Revenue Recovery Group to analyse demand and develop initiatives to stimulate industry and revenue recovery post-COVID. This includes encouraging passengers to return to rail and introducing initiatives like flexible season tickets.
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Wales Office
19
Recommendation
First Report - Railway Infrastructure i…
Accepted in Part
We are concerned that Covid-19 should not be used as a pretext for halting investment which, in the long term, would only further cement the car as the transport mode of choice in Wales. Instead this should be an opportunity for the Department for Transport, Welsh Government, Transport for Wales …
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We are concerned that Covid-19 should not be used as a pretext for halting investment which, in the long term, would only further cement the car as the transport mode of choice in Wales. Instead this should be an opportunity for the Department for Transport, Welsh Government, Transport for Wales and Network Rail to take stock and consider the role of rail Wales’s future transport network. Using the Wales Rail Board we have recommended, this process should: • establish immediate infrastructure investment priorities; • consider how passenger services can be improved without inadvertently reducing freight capacity; and • determine on a route by route basis what improved services will mean for passengers in terms of frequency, speed, and cost. (Paragraph 114) 38 Railway Infrastructure in Wales
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees in part, recognizing the benefits of the proposed Wales Rail Board and proposing to establish a senior-level Board with the specified remit. However, it notes that rail enhancement budgets were redirected due to COVID-19 and difficult circumstances persist.
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Wales Office