Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what comparative assessment he has made of the powers to invest available to (a) Transport for London and (b) Transport for the North.

The Mayor of London is elected by the residents of London. Transport responsibilities are devolved to him - he is responsible for the strategic direction of transport as well as operational delivery which is carried out by Transport for London (TfL). TfL manages multiple modes of transport including London Underground, London Overground, Buses, Docklands Light Railway as well as walking and cycling. TfL also manages London’s strategic roads. TfL naturally has powers to invest in the networks for which it has responsibility. In addition the Department and individual boroughs invest in networks in London for which they are responsible.

Transport for the North (TfN) has no responsibility for the operational delivery of transport services. Its important role is to provide a strategic transport vision for the North. TfN will have, like TfL, (subject to Parliamentary approval) ‘very broad’ powers to invest in Transport. For instance, TfN have virtually the same power of competence given to combined authorities, except that TfN’s power of competence can only be applied to transport functions.

Beyond this, the Government is also proposing that TfN have specific powers to fund joint transport projects (capital grants) and promote, fund and deliver joint road schemes (highway powers). It is not envisaged, however, that TfN will become either a Highway Authority or a transport operator.