Rail devolution push for English regions – but not here in Wales

THE UK Government is seeking to devolve rail powers to mayoral regions in England while steadfastly rejecting calls for rail infrastructure to be devolved to Wales.

- SION BARRY Business editor [e-mail]

Following the English Devolution White Paper, the Westminster Government is now inviting mayoral strategic authorities (MSAs) to apply for full statutory and financial responsibility for local rail services, infrastructure and/or control of stations (full devolution).

The UK Government said that MSAs can seek full devolution of rail responsibilities under existing legislation such as the Railways Act 1993.

Where proposals involve services that extend beyond the boundaries of an MSA, they will be carefully assessed, as changes within one area can have significant impacts elsewhere.

The proposed new publicly-owned body that will oversee both rail services and infrastructure, Great British Railways (GBR), will retain overarching responsibility for delivery but will work in close collaboration with MSAs to "enable local input within an integrated railway system."

In its guidance for a planned major expansion of devolving rail powers in England, the the Department for Transport (DfT) adds: "Devolution is a positive feature of the railway landscape in England, with significant responsibilities already fully devolved to the mayors of London and the Liverpool City Region."

The Welsh Government, prior to last year's General Election, while continuing to call for the devolution of rail, adopted a longer-term view by describing the aim as a "process rather than an event".

In the summer, Rachel Reeves, in her spending review covering the period up to 2029/30, announced £34bn for rail enhancement projects in England. For Wales, the Chancellor announced £455m.

However, when stripping out £90m to develop new projects, £77m towards the upgrade of Cardiff Central station - which had already been announced subject to business case sign-off, confirmed earlier this month and funding for upgrading the relief lines in south Wales, this leaves around £300m for rail enhancement projects in Wales over the period.