Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment has she made of the potential impacts of (a) low car ownership and (b) difficulties in accessing rail travel on economic opportunities for deprived communities in Islwyn.

The Department for Transport recognises the importance of improving connectivity for communities with low car ownership and limited access to rail services. Through the Wales Rail Board, we are working in close partnership with the Welsh Government to develop future rail service improvements for communities across Wales, including Islwyn.

Supporting this collaboration, the 10-year Infrastructure Strategy will deliver at least £445 million of UK Government investment in Welsh rail infrastructure, demonstrating our commitment to enhancing services and improving access to economic opportunities.