Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessments have been made of the effectiveness of alternative funding models for rolling stock procurement under Great British Railways.

The Rolling Stock and Infrastructure Strategy, published on 28 September 2026, sets out how Great British Railways will take an integrated approach to planning trains, infrastructure, depots and maintenance. For future procurements, GBR will assess whether direct public ownership, leasing or other financing arrangements offer the best value for taxpayers and fare payers.

Leasing will remain in place for existing contracts and may still be appropriate in future. Decisions will be made case by case, considering whole-life value for money, affordability, operational requirements and the best overall outcome for passengers and taxpayers.