Passenger Focus (Triennial Review)

Claire Perry Excerpts

Friday 20th March 2015 Written Statements

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Claire Perry)]

I am today publishing the report of the triennial review of Passenger Focus (PF).

The review has considered the continuing need for PF’s functions and the case for it to remain a non-departmental public body (NDPB). It has also looked at the control and governance arrangements in place to ensure that PF is complying with recognised principles of good corporate governance.

PF represents the interests of rail passengers in England, Scotland and Wales, bus and tram passengers in England (outside of London) and passengers on scheduled domestic coach services in England. It will shortly be taking on a new additional role representing users of the strategic road network in England.

I am pleased to announce the conclusion of the review and the publication of the report.

The report concludes that the functions of PF are still necessary, that it remains the right body for delivering them and that PF should remain a NDPB (Stage 1 of the review). The report also concludes that PF is managed to a high standard with well-structured and effective governance systems in place, with only a few minor administrative issues which should be capable of being quickly addressed (Stage 2 of the review).

Although the review did not consider in detail PF’s future role in relation to highways, the report comments that the organisation appears to be in good shape to take this on, with well-established structures and procedures, and led by an effective and well-engaged board.

The report also says that with substantial change and expansion of scope imminent as PF takes on the highways role, it is right that PF is undertaking a review of its current structure and funding arrangements to ensure they remain fit for purpose.

I would like to thank Andrew Murray for carrying out a thorough analysis of PF and its governance arrangements, and PF for its assistance as well as all the other stakeholders who were involved during the course of the review.

The review was conducted in accordance with Cabinet Office guidance (Guidance on reviews of non-departmental public bodies, June 2011).



The report is available on www.gov.uk and I have made available copies in the Libraries of the House.

It is also available online at: http://www.parliament.uk/writtenstatements.

[HCWS432]