Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 30 March 2026 to Question 122220 on DfT Operator, how many staff will remain within the Department undertaking rail policy functions following the transfer to DfT Operator Ltd; and what assessment she has made of the Department’s capacity to act as an intelligent client of that body.

Following the transfer of staff to DFTO on 1st April, the Department for Transport has 485 FTE undertaking rail functions - from rail reform to major projects sponsorship.

Robust and tested sponsorship arrangements have been implemented, enabling the Department to operate as an 'intelligent client' to DFTO. These arrangements establish clear lines of engagement and provide a consistent framework through which specialist policy and client teams can deliver coherent, expert advice which will be an important foundation for the future with Great British Railways.