New Devolution Framework unveiled could help Mayors control rail services

The Government has outlined further plans for devolution for English regions as Deputy Prime Minister Angela Raynor released its English Devolution White Paper on December 16.

The white paper outlines plans to strengthen Mayoral authorities’ abilities to develop a regional integrated transport network alongside new fiscal rules and a local planning overhaul.

Under the new Devolution Framework, local authorities will be encouraged to take more responsibility for its regions rail network. It suggests that mayoral authorities will have a statutory role for Mayors to govern, plan and develop its rail network. It will also give mayors the option to control rail stations as well as decide what improvements on connectivity and accessibility it would like to see.

However, Mayors such as Andy Burnham and Richard Parker will have to wait a little longer until the plans can be rolled out as Raynor confirmed in a speech to leaders that it will be consulting on the role of mayors ahead of the legislation to establish Great British Railways.

There will be an expectation that Great British Railways once established will work with the mayoral authorities to tailor its transport systems and keep smooth connectivity with the network outside of its region. This will be especially important for timetables, which mayors’ will be able to dictate frequency and possible routes under the new framework proposed.

Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Raynor said: “It’s a plan for putting more money in people’s pockets, putting politics back in the service of working people and a plan for stability, investment and reform, not chaos, austerity and decline, that will deliver a decade of national renewal. 

“Devolution will no longer be agreed at the whim of a Minister in Whitehall, but embedded in the fabric of the country, becoming the default position of government.”

It also plans to publish guidance on how authorities can integrate contactless travel, like the current system used by Transport for London, which works across rail, tram and bus services.

Funding and investment will also be overhauled with a consolidated funding pot for transport also planned. This is expected to give mayors freedom to spend on local development of its networks without involvement from Westminster and there will also be an expectation to share data through the Rail Data Marketplace which is currently being developed as part of Great British Railways by Rail Delivery Group.

Raynor did not provide a timeframe on the new framework and when it could be introduced however many welcomed the plans.

Railway Industry Association (RIA) Chief Executive Darren Caplan said: “Transport is a key priority for national and regional leaders throughout the UK. As local rail infrastructure and services become more devolved, the commitment by the UK Government that English regional Metro Mayors will have a new framework to provide a more co-ordinated and enhanced approach is welcome.”

Rail Partners Director of External Affairs Hannah Moxon commented that Metro Mayors “need appropriate control over its services to deliver meaningful improvements” but the TaxPayers Alliance warned that Government should avoid a “one-size fits all” approach for regions.