Northern Powerhouse Rail: How will govt make sure it boosts economic growth for the North?
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) will examine how the government's plans for Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) could boost economic growth in the North of England.
Meeting details
As part of wider efforts to boost economic growth, the government has set out plans to improve rail connectivity between major cities including Liverpool, Sheffield and Newcastle. NPR will see the construction of new rail lines and stations and upgrades to pre-existing infrastructure. It also intends to provide more frequent services and shorter journey times.
However, with funding capped at £45bn, it is likely that the Department for Transport (DfT) will need to carefully manage risks and make trade-offs to achieve a balance between benefits and costs. MPs will use this session to explore what those decisions are likely to entail, and question what lessons can be learned from similar projects such as HS2.
The Committee is likely to question why it has taken the DfT over a decade to define the scope of the programme and examine the potential impacts of this delay. The role of Great British Railways, as well as other government departments, in achieving the aims of the programme is also likely to be considered.