Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what role local and regional authorities will have in decision-making under the framework established by the Railways Bill.

The Secretary of State wants to bring decision-making as close as possible to the communities those decisions impact. The Railways Bill underpins the move towards a more locally focused railway, creating the statutory basis for structured partnerships with Mayoral Strategic Authorities (MSAs). Through these statutory roles, MSAs will play a formal role in shaping decisions. They will be consulted by Great British Railways (GBR), can enter arrangements with GBR, and GBR will have regard to their Local Transport Plans.

While the Bill does not create a separate statutory mechanism for non-mayoral areas, GBR will be under a clear expectation to engage all local authorities on their rail priorities and Local Transport Plans, ensuring local perspectives inform decision-making.