Written questions by Mayhew.

Whether her Department has made changes to the membership of the Rail Services Group since 4 July 2024.

The Department for Transport is made up of seven groups led by a Director General or Permanent Secretary, which are subdivided into directorates and divisions. Organisational structures are always kept under review to best deliver the Department’s responsibilities. As of 10 December 2024, there have been no major organisational restructures which have resulted in substantive changes to the membership, scope or responsibilities of any of the groups since 4 July 2024.

Whether her Department has made changes to the membership of the Decarbonisation, Technology and Strategy Group since 4 July 2024.

The Department for Transport is made up of seven groups led by a Director General or Permanent Secretary, which are subdivided into directorates and divisions. Organisational structures are always kept under review to best deliver the Department’s responsibilities. As of 10 December 2024, there have been no major organisational restructures which have resulted in substantive changes to the membership, scope or responsibilities of any of the groups since 4 July 2024.

Whether her Department has appointed additional members to the Aviation Accessibility Task and Finish Group.

The Aviation Accessibility Task and Finish Group was launched on the 7 November 2024. Members were selected for expertise, knowledge and willingness to put the needs of passengers first.Based on feedback from stakeholders, the decision was taken to expand the group’s membership ahead of the first meeting. This was done with a view to further strengthening its breadth of expertise and reach across industry, which is critical for the Group to deliver tangible progress.

Whether her Department has made changes to the (a) scope and (b) responsibilities of the Roads Transport Group since 4 July 2024.

The Department for Transport is made up of seven groups led by a Director General or Permanent Secretary, which are subdivided into directorates and divisions. Organisational structures are always kept under review to best deliver the Department’s responsibilities. As of 10 December 2024, there have been no major organisational restructures which have resulted in substantive changes to the membership, scope or responsibilities of any of the groups since 4 July 2024.

Whether her Department has made changes to the (a) scope and (b) responsibilities of the Major Rail Projects Group since 4 July 2024.

The Department for Transport is made up of seven groups led by a Director General or Permanent Secretary, which are subdivided into directorates and divisions. Organisational structures are always kept under review to best deliver the Department’s responsibilities. As of 10 December 2024, there have been no major organisational restructures which have resulted in substantive changes to the membership, scope or responsibilities of any of the groups since 4 July 2024.

When her Department projects that the A57 link road upgrade will be completed.

The A57 Link Road scheme will shortly be starting full construction and works are expected to be complete in 2028.

When her Department projects that the Transpennine Route Upgrade will be completed.

The core Transpennine Route Upgrade programme is currently scheduled for completion in the early 2030s, with incremental benefits delivery before then, including a rolling programme of electrification and station enhancements. Full benefits delivery, including digital signalling, will be made available by the mid-2030s, facilitating further enhancements to east-west rail connectivity across the Pennines.

Whether her Department has made changes to the (a) scope and (b) responsibilities of the Rail Services Group since 4 July 2024.

The Department for Transport is made up of seven groups led by a Director General or Permanent Secretary, which are subdivided into directorates and divisions. Organisational structures are always kept under review to best deliver the Department’s responsibilities. As of 10 December 2024, there have been no major organisational restructures which have resulted in substantive changes to the membership, scope or responsibilities of any of the groups since 4 July 2024.

Whether her Department has made changes to the membership of the Aviation, Maritime and Security Group since 4 July 2024.

The Department for Transport is made up of seven groups led by a Director General or Permanent Secretary, which are subdivided into directorates and divisions. Organisational structures are always kept under review to best deliver the Department’s responsibilities. As of 10 December 2024, there have been no major organisational restructures which have resulted in substantive changes to the membership, scope or responsibilities of any of the groups since 4 July 2024.

What information her Department holds on the number of (a) employees working in the private school bus services sector and (b) privately contracted buses used by local authorities for school bus services.

The Department for Transport does not hold specific data on the number of employees working in the private school bus services sector, or on the number of privately contracted buses used by local authorities for school bus services. Local authorities are responsible for arranging and managing these contracts, and they are best placed to provide information about the services they commission.