Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Answer of 24 March 2026, to Question 121019 on Network Rail and Platform 4: Trade Unions, whether Platform 4 is deemed a public authority for the purposes of (a) the public sector equality duty, (b) the Human Rights Act, (c) Freedom of Information Act, and (d) Environmental Information Act regulations; and whether it is considered an Arm’s Length Body.

Platform4 was created through the merger of London & Continental Railways (LCR) and Network Rail’s property development businesses, and it is owned by Network Rail Infrastructure Limited.

Network Rail Limited itself operates as an arm’s length body of the Department for Transport.

Platform4 is classified as a public corporation. Where it carries out public functions, it gives due consideration to the Public Sector Equality Duty.

For the purposes of the Human Rights Act 1998, Platform4 is not generally considered a public authority, except where it may be performing qualifying public functions. Its primary role, however, is focused on commercial property operations.

Platform4 is subject to the Freedom of Information Act and the Environmental Information Regulations.