Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made, or intend to make, of the impact of the proposed sale of National Rail's non-operational portfolio on small businesses and local economies; and whether they are considering sale plans involving purchase by regional, combined and local authorities.

Network Rail launched the sale of its commercial estate last November. Once the business is sold, current leases will transfer to the new owner and all lease arrangements and protections will be unchanged. The tenants’ rent review terms will continue as per their original lease agreement. Discussions about future lease arrangements will be a matter between tenants and the new owner.

Network Rail has conducted an open and competitive tender process for the sale and will select the bidder who best meets its sales objectives - to preserve the safety and operational integrity of the railway and deliver value for money.