Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Aviation Policy Framework, published by the Government in March 2013, what assessment he has made of the implications of the statement in that policy that the provision and funding of surface access infrastructure and services to airports is primarily the responsibility of the airport operator, on the specific division of responsibility for these enhancements between airport operators and central government in relation to Gatwick; and if he will a statement.

The Government published its Aviation Strategy 2050 consultation document in December 2018. Among other things, the document makes the case that airports are ‘unique’ multi-modal transport hubs, and should be recognised and treated as such.

As the document sets out, the Government believes that the provision and funding of surface access infrastructure and services to airports is primarily the responsibility of the airport operator. But where there are significant non-airport public user benefits from changes and enhancements to the infrastructure and services, the Government has made clear it would consider making a funding contribution to reflect these.

The Government will continue to review and update the current appraisal methodology to enable assessment of the validity of its funding policy.

The Aviation Strategy 2050 consultation is due to close on 20 June 2019, and the Government encourages all stakeholders to respond to this consultation.