Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of the potential development of (a) the Ivanhoe Line and (b) other new railway projects in Leicestershire to (i) support regional connectivity and (ii) align East Midlands transport spending in line with comparative regions.

Rail investment plays an important role in supporting regional connectivity. Published allocations for Leicestershire County Council total £251,836,827 for 2026/27 to 2028/29 (2029/30 for capital). These settlements give individual local transport authorities greater freedom and flexibility to make strategic decisions to develop and fund the priorities that best impact their local areas.

Proposals for schemes including the Ivanhoe Line may be brought forward by local authorities for potential Government investment. Such proposals would need to take account of affordability, value for money, and alignment with our strategic priorities.