Transport Insights

A fascinating exchange between two lords has shown the shallowness of the government’s approach to investing in the railways.

Veteran LibDem peer Lord Rennard asked His Majesty’s Government:

what assessment they have made of the benefits of expanding local rail services to local economies, and of increasing rail services into cities to reduce road congestion, improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions.

The reply from transport minister Lord Hendy was basically that the question only arises if civil servants have a specific proposal in front of them, rather than taking a strategic approach, or for example when they have already decided that a major road scheme is the answer:

Assessments of the benefits of expanding local rail services to local economies, and of increasing rail services into cities, are assessed on a case-by-case basis to reflect local economic conditions, using Transport Analysis Guidance (TAG).

Expanded local rail services can help drive local economic growth by opening up new development opportunities, unlocking housing, reducing costs for businesses and supporting people into work. 

Hendy’s answer then descended into something between wishful thinking and lying:

The Government recognises the crucial role rail plays in delivering these benefits and is backing rail with the funding needed. The 2025 spending review committed £10.2 billion provided for rail enhancements in the period over the next four years.

So let’s take the proposed upgrade at Ely Junction, a rail enhancement that everyone thinks would make a difference to freight and passengers services.

Following the spending review Rail Magazine reported that it is unlikely to happen for the next five years.

A Department for Transport spokesperson said it is not a current priority for funding:

There is a strong case for Ely Junction, and we are committed to working with a broad range of stakeholders to support its inclusion in the future pipeline.

It’s fair enough to say you haven’t currently got the money to do everything that needs to be done on the rail network, but you can’t simultaneously say you are “backing rail with the funding needed”.

Returning to the spending review, which also to be fair included £25.3bn over four years for HS2, the 10-year National Infrastructure Strategy promised:

As noted in the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s speech for the Spending Review 2025, the government will set out plans to take forward its further ambitions on Northern Powerhouse Rail in the coming weeks.

Three days ago, the Yorkshire Post reported “government sources”:

insisting it will happen before the Autumn Budget on November 26.

The Yorkshire Post understands that the plans are now awaiting sign off from the Prime Minister and Chancellor.

Labour’s strategy on rail infrastructure seems to be to make it up as they go along.