Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what mechanisms her Department has put in place to consult and communicate with the North’s (a) mayoral combined authorities, (b) local authorities and (b) local stakeholders and communities on the planning and delivery of Northern Powerhouse Rail and associated regional transport networks.

This government recognises the importance of local knowledge and expertise in successful delivery of major infrastructure projects and is committed to delivering NPR in partnership with Mayors and local leaders.

As agreed in the compact agreements with Mayoral Authorities, we will continue to work in close collaboration with Mayors partners through existing structures, such as the Liverpool – Manchester Railway Board, and the White Rose Agreement in Yorkshire.

We will continue to engage with petitioners and the wider local community about how the proposals in the hybrid Bill will impact them. Where relevant, public consultations covering the programme and route alignment will take place as the programme develops.