Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she plans to take to ensure that track access charges for operators outside Great British Railways remain based on the direct operating costs incurred by the infrastructure manager.

Clause 64 of the Bill sets a clear legal requirement for charges to be set at the cost that is directly incurred to cover the operating costs incurred by the GBR, subject to exclusions on discounts and mark-ups. GBR will establish a charging framework that must be consistent with its duties and functions set out in legislation.