Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to paragraph 4.43 of the Office of Rail and Road’s interim report on the rolling stock maintenance market, published on 29 October 2026, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the value for money duties on Great British Railways in the Railways Bill.

The Railways Bill supports Great British Railways (GBR) to make effective and strategic decisions which can achieve value for money for the taxpayer. It includes a specific duty at Clause 18 setting out that GBR must consider the efficient use of public funds.

GBR will take into account the outcome of the Office of Rail and Road's rolling stock maintenance market review, with final recommendations expected in March 2027. The GBR Rolling Stock and Infrastructure Strategy, published on 28 September, sets out how GBR will secure the best possible maintenance deals, including through increased competition and choice, to deliver better value for passengers and taxpayers.