Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will approve funding for (a) the Croydon Area Remodelling Scheme and (b) Midland Mainline capacity improvement to mitigate forecasted capacity constraints on the Thameslink route.

The Department recognises the significant growth pressures and opportunities facing the rail network from major developments such as the expansion of Luton and Gatwick Airports, the proposed Universal Studios theme park in Bedfordshire, and extensive planned delivery of new housing.

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) has shared initial long‑term demand modelling with the Department, including projections linked to these major developments. This work indicates substantial future growth in passenger demand, and we expect operators to continue working closely with Network Rail and local partners to refine these forecasts and develop the business cases needed for targeted improvements.

Officials at DfT and DFTO are in regular discussions with Network Rail on opportunities to improve services across the Brighton Main Line, including in the Croydon area. As part of Network Rail’s Sussex Railway Upgrade Plan, £900 million is being invested in renewing the Brighton Main Line and its branches between 2024 and 2029.