Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 44
44
Deferred
West Coast Main Line capacity challenge expected by late 2030s due to HS2 changes
Conclusion
The Department acknowledged the capacity challenge on the West Coast Main Line as a consequence of not building Phase 2, estimating that it will reach capacity by the late 2030s. These capacity concerns were also raised with us in evidence from Manchester City Council, Transport for Greater Manchester and the High Speed Rail Group.75 The Department 69 Qq 56–57; Prime Minister’s Office, The King’s Speech 2024, pages 42–43 70 C&AG’s Report, para 2.16 71 Qq 54–57; C&AG’s Report, Fig 2 72 Ibid 73 C&AG’s Report, para 4.20 74 C&AG’s Report, para 4.21 75 HS2U0007, Written evidence submitted by Manchester City Council; HS2U0009, Written evidence submitted by Transport for Greater Manchester; HS2U0005, Written evidence submitted by the High Speed Rail Group 23 told us that the government is considering what options exist for dealing with capacity north of Birmingham in future years. While there would not be a reinstatement of the northern sections of HS2, the Department said these options could include smaller–scale investments in infrastructure or optimising services using both existing and HS2 trains, although the latter would only delay the problem rather than resolve it.76
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the conclusion, stating it will include its approach to addressing future West Coast Main Line capacity issues and northern rail connectivity in a future six-monthly report, following the outcome of the spending review.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Summer 2025 Preparatory work on a disposal programme for Phase 2 is already underway. As part of these preparations, the department is undertaking a review of the portfolio of land that was previously acquired for Phase 2. This includes the identification of properties subject to Crichel Down Rules. The department will write to the Committee to confirm the next steps for a disposal programme. The Department will take time to carefully develop a disposal programme that delivers value for money for taxpayers and does not disrupt local property markets. The department agrees to include the information requested by the Committee regarding the disposal programme in a future six-monthly report to Parliament. As part of this update, the department will include its approach to addressing future West Coast Main Line capacity issues and rail connectivity in the north, following the outcome of the spending review.