Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Guide to the Mode Shift Revenue Support Scheme, published in January 2026, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of (a) intermodal rail, (b) bulk rail and (c) inland waterway freight supported under that scheme.

The Department for Transport is currently evaluating the Mode Shift Revenue Support (MSRS) scheme to assess its performance and impact.

This evaluation builds upon the Call for Evidence and stakeholder engagement sessions that took place across December 2023 to February 2024. Through this, feedback was gathered from rail and maritime freight operators, customers of operators, ports, trade associations, and pressure groups. Details of the outcome of the Call for Evidence can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/mode-shift-grants-review/outcome/mode-shift-grants-review-outcome.

We are considering this combined evidence and feedback to ensure we most effectively support those businesses seeking to move freight by means other than by road when the MSRS scheme expires in March 2027.