Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether officials in her Department have had discussions with (a) c2c, (b) Network Rail and (c) relevant local authorities about establishing a community rail partnership on the c2c route; what assessment she has made of the case for a c2c community rail partnership; and what the (i) required steps, (ii) decision making process and (iii) indicative timetable are for recognition of such a partnership.

Officials have not discussed with Network Rail or relevant local authorities; however, officials have discussed establishing a community rail partnership with c2c which both parties see value in.

Next steps would include building the proposal and securing sufficient funding; officials will continue to explore what opportunities there might be in future business planning rounds.