Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate Network Rail has made of the business rates that will be payable to Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council in the event that planning consent is granted for a new sleeper factory at Bescot Rail Yard.

A proposal for a new facility in Bescot is being developed by Network Rail to produce the sleepers necessary for them to maintain, renew, and enhance our rail network. The facility is intended to make up the shortfall when an existing facility at Washwood Heath is closed to become an HS2 depot.

Network Rail estimates that the proposed development will generate approximately £300,000 in annual business rates revenue payable to Sandwell Borough Council.