Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 21
21
Acknowledged
Rail Transformation Board's governance was confused, with unclear accountabilities and lacking stakeholder agreement.
Conclusion
Reviews by the IPA and the Department in early 2023 found that the Rail Transformation Board’s governance was confused, accountabilities unclear, and there was not agreement across stakeholders on the scope and delivery approach of the Programme. The Department recognises that there will be a challenge in getting stakeholders to prioritise work intended to improve rail before the timing of future reform is clearer.45 It told us that it has created a rail reform board which has the right people around the table, with very clear accountabilities, both for individual projects and within its wider departmental governance.46 39 Q 49–52 40 C&AG’s Report, para 2 41 Q 36; C&AG’s Report, para 9, para 2.8 42 Q 28–20 43 Q 36 44 Q 79 45 C&AG’s Report, paras 9, 3.9 46 Q 19 14 Rail reform: The rail transformation programme Engaging with the workforce
Government Response Summary
The department is preparing for the mobilisation of shadow GBR which will facilitate closer working between the senior leaders of Rail Services Group (RSG) in Department for Transport, Department for Transport Operator of Last Resort Holdings Limited (DOHL) and Network Rail (NR) to drive improvements. The IPA will provide assurance of the rail sector transformation programme delivery plan.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
1.5 The Labour Party’s Getting Britain Moving plan committed to establishing a shadow Great British Railways ahead of legislation. The department is now preparing for the mobilisation of shadow GBR which will facilitate closer working between the senior leaders of Rail Services Group (RSG) in Department for Transport, Department for Transport Operator of Last Resort Holdings Limited (DOHL) and Network Rail (NR) to drive improvements for passengers, freight and the taxpayer. The department will set out next steps shortly. 1.6 The Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA) will provide assurance of the rail sector transformation programme delivery plan.