Birmingham Highways Infrastructure Private Finance Initiative Debate

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Department: Department for Transport

Birmingham Highways Infrastructure Private Finance Initiative

Baroness Randerson Excerpts
Tuesday 28th November 2023

(1 year ago)

Lords Chamber
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Baroness Randerson Portrait Baroness Randerson (LD)
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My Lords, commissioners were appointed in Birmingham to restore good governance, and good governance usually includes timely decision-making. Does the Minister accept that by leaving this so late, this is poor decision-making that undermines, for instance, initiatives associated with active travel and zero emissions that are necessary to take Birmingham forward in a modern manner?

Lord Davies of Gower Portrait Lord Davies of Gower (Con)
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I totally agree with the noble Baroness that it is not ideal—I said that earlier. As I said, this has been bogged down with issues between the contractor and Birmingham City Council. The Government have worked to come up with a solution. That will be announced imminently and, hopefully, we will be able to get under way with a new contract.