Asked by: Bob Blackman (Conservative - Harrow East)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what representations his Department has received from (a) the Mayor of London and (b) Transport of London on the cost of the Croxley rail link; and whether the Government plans to provide additional funding to support the development of that link.
Answered by Andrew Jones
Since taking over management of the Croxley Rail Link in November 2015, Transport for London (TfL) has been reviewing the main work contracts. From discussions between officials in the Department and in TfL, we are aware that, as a result of prices received from the supply chain, the costs of the scheme are currently higher than the agreed budget. We understand TfL is considering how best to deal with this.
At a meeting with the Mayor on 5 December the Secretary of State for Transport re-confirmed the importance that the Government attaches to the scheme which will deliver significant transport benefits and significantly boost economic growth in Watford and the wider north west London area. Indeed, the Government, together with local councils and the Local Enterprise Partnership, has already committed substantial funding to this scheme and nearly 85% of the total budgeted cost.
Under the terms of the funding agreement in place for the scheme, TfL committed to the agreed budget of £284.4m and so agreed to meet any costs incurred over that budget. Conversely, they would retain the full amount of any cost savings. The Department will not be providing any additional funding for the scheme and expects TfL to complete it as agreed.
Asked by: Bob Blackman (Conservative - Harrow East)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the deficit is for the delivery of the Croxley rail link; and what plans his Department has for allocating additional funding required for that rail link.
Answered by Andrew Jones
As set out in my answer to my Hon Friend, earlier today (UIN 56736), the delivery of this scheme is a matter for Transport for London (TfL). TfL have made a commitment to deliver it within the resources that have been made available to them, under an agreement which means that they will benefit if the scheme can be delivered at a lower cost while accepting and absorbing any cost overruns. The Department does not have any detailed information on the most recent cost estimates for the scheme’s delivery, which are entirely a matter for TfL, and does not intend to make any further funding available.
Asked by: Bob Blackman (Conservative - Harrow East)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what information the Government holds on Transport for London's deficit for the delivery of the Croxley rail link; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Andrew Jones
As set out in my answer to my Hon Friend, earlier today (UIN 56736), the delivery of this scheme is a matter for Transport for London (TfL). TfL have made a commitment to deliver it within the resources that have been made available to them, under an agreement which means that they will benefit if the scheme can be delivered at a lower cost while accepting and absorbing any cost overruns. The Department does not have any detailed information on the most recent cost estimates for the scheme’s delivery, which are entirely a matter for TfL, and does not intend to make any further funding available.
Asked by: Bob Blackman (Conservative - Harrow East)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if the Government will make it its policy not to take a decision on the location of an additional runway until its reviews of UK airspace and the Aviation Policy Framework have been completed.
Answered by John Hayes
The Government remains fully committed to delivering the important infrastructure projects it has set out, including delivering runway capacity on the timetable set out by Sir Howard Davies.
In the coming weeks the Government will carefully consider all of the evidence before reaching a view on its preferred scheme.
Asked by: Bob Blackman (Conservative - Harrow East)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate the Government has made of the cost to the public purse of constructing a third runway at Heathrow Airport over the course of the construction period.
Answered by John Hayes
The Airports Commission shortlisted three airport expansion schemes, two at Heathrow and one at Gatwick. The Government accepted the Commission’s shortlist in December 2015 and is considering all of the evidence very carefully before reaching a view on its preferred scheme. The Government is not providing a running commentary on this work and nor would it be appropriate to outline specific pieces of evidence before a decision is announced on its preference. Any work to inform an announcement will be set out in subsequent publications and associated consultation.