The draft order was laid before Parliament today and
will, subject to approval from MPs, Lords and the Privy
Council, devolve the procurement and management of
Wales and Borders franchise train services within
Wales. This follows detailed discussions between the
Department for Transport and the Welsh Government on
how powers will be devolved to Welsh ministers.
The agreement also takes into account the fact that
many of the franchise services operate on both sides of
the border between England and Wales and includes
safeguards to protect all passengers using these
routes.
Rail Minister said:
This is a positive and significant step in the
franchise devolution process and is an example of the
effective cooperation between the UK and Welsh
governments.
The devolution of these powers delivers on
recommendations made by the Commission on Devolution
in Wales and demonstrates the commitment we made as a
government in the 2015 St David’s Day Agreement.
Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy and
Transport said:
I welcome this recognition of the extensive nature of
the cross-border services - and services wholly
within England - provided by the Wales and Borders
franchise and the need for appropriate accountability
for rail operations on each side of the border.
It will be important for devolution of funding for
Network Rail to be delivered in the future and I will
continue dialogue with the Department for Transport
to that end.
As well as continuing with present franchise funding
arrangements, the UKgovernment will also provide
an extra £125 million towards upgrading the Valley
Lines, part of the Welsh Government’s metro project in
South Wales.
The draft Welsh Ministers (Transfer of Functions)
(Railways) Order 2018 was laid before Parliament
following formal approval by Welsh ministers. It will
go before the Commons and Lords for scrutiny.
