Source · Select Committees · Welsh Affairs Committee
Recommendation 11
11
Paragraph: 77
If clear benefits for both passengers and freight users could be delivered by devolving rail...
Conclusion
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.
Paragraph Reference:
77
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The UK Government agrees with these recommendations in part. Together with their industry partners in Wales, DfT has undertaken a review of the governance arrangements applicable to the development and delivery of railway enhancements. The Welsh Government and TfW have confirmed that they value the role of the Great Western & Wales Programme Board, in managing the funding arrangements and integration considerations for schemes under the RNEP, and we intend that this should continue. DfT recognizes the potential benefits identified by the Committee of a dedicated forum to develop a shared vision and a prioritised set of proposals for rail infrastructure improvement and investment to deliver improvements for passengers in Wales and propose to establish a senior-level Board with this remit. The Board will comprise director- level representation from Welsh Government, DfT, TfW, Network Rail, and other train operators serving passengers in Wales. Terms of Reference are under discussion with a view to holding an initial meeting of this Board at the earliest opportunity in the current calendar year. The Terms of Reference will include aspects relevant to the establishment of working arrangements between Great British Railways (GBR) and TfW under rail reform proposals. Our governance review has also identified the need for additional resource to steer the delivery of RNEP enhancement schemes and we propose to establish a Programme Delivery Group as a sub-body of the Great Western & Wales Programme Board in support of this. The existing Programme Board and the new forums will work closely with TfW’s Metro Development Strategy Boards and the industry partners will ensure a cohesive and collaborative approach to the development of rail infrastructure in Wales, delivering additional benefits to passengers and supporting economic growth.