Northern devolution on the Westminster agenda
Devolution has a vital role for the railways, but should not be introduced unless necessary, according to Rail Minister Paul Maynard.
Speaking at an All-Party Parliamentary Group reception at Westminster on September 7, hosted by Rail North, Maynard said: “Devolution should not be done just for devolution’s sake. I want councillors to have more powers because it will be local decisions being made. That way people can, for example, look at HS2 and ask how we can make benefits from it. You need a clear focus.”
Shadow Transport Secretary Andy MacDonald, speaking at the event, said of devolution: “There is great interest around it and I warmly congratulate Rail North for its work and for not concentrating on just one area. We all know northern England has been a powerhouse, but it is untapped. It is imperative we grow connectivity and people can travel effectively and efficiently. The social and economic prizes are great.”
Northern Managing Director Alex Hynes said that April 1 2016, the first day of both the new Northern and TransPennine Express franchises, “signified a real change”, adding: “The North was in charge of decisions for the North.”
Rail North Chairman Liam Robinson said: “When we look back over 12 months we’ve come a really long way. More than £1 billion investment in the network, 500 brand new coaches, and the hated Pacers are going. There is 40% more capacity, which is a third more than in the previous franchises.
“But there is a lot to come. Devolution had begun with these franchises. We hope we can get a fully devolved Northern route from Network Rail so it can deliver the full potential.”
Robinson said there were two ways of travelling for Rail North. The first was looking at the full integration of Rail North into Transport for the North, and the second was to “look beyond modes. Does rail dovetail with road?”
He added: “This is the start of devolution. We look at Merseyside, London and Scotland and we see fully devolved paths. We want that for the North.”