Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 45
45
Not Addressed
East-west rail connectivity in the North now considered as series of programmes
Conclusion
The Department told us it is also carrying out development work on how to improve the east–west rail connectivity in the north of England. It said that this may well now be considered as a series of programmes and choices “rather than a big totemic thing” as originally envisaged by Northern Powerhouse Rail.77 76 Qq 66–68 77 Q 70 24 4 Learning lessons
Government Response Summary
The government provides a boilerplate response focused on land disposal for Phase 2, which does not address the committee's observation regarding east-west rail connectivity in the north of England.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
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.