Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the adequacy of levels of funding provided by the UK Government for railways in Wales.

The level of investment across the different parts of the railway network is determined by the needs of the network, value for money and meeting the Government’s priorities. The benefits of this spend can accrue in geographically distant locations. The funding for the day-to-day running and renewal of the railway was determined via the comprehensive regulatory processes led by the independent regulator, the Office of Rail and Road.

Network Rail spending on operations, maintenance, and renewals in Wales for the five years between 2024 and 2029 is forecast to be £2.5 billion. This will be used to address climate effects, improve train performance from current levels, and invest in the areas that matter most to passengers and freight users. The Government had made a further commitment of at least £445 million of rail enhancements funding for Wales, and plans for future rail investment in Wales will be made in close consultation with the Wales Rail Board. This will be consulted ahead of the next Spending Review so that Wales’ long-term infrastructure needs continue to be recognised.