Written questions by Platt.

What assessment her Department has made of the need for (a) station upgrades and (b) improved integration between national rail services and devolved transport systems in order to support increased capacity and reliability across the North-West rail network.

Greater integration between national rail and devolved transport systems like Manchester’s Bee Network is key to improving connectivity within, and between, our great cities in the North. Our newly published Better Connected national transport strategy sets the direction for a more joined-up transport network that works better for passengers, drivers and communities across England. Additionally, the £1.5 billion Manchester & Northwest Transformation Programme is already delivering station upgrades at Salford Crescent, with more planned at Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Oxford Road.

What mechanisms her Department has put in place to consult and communicate with the North’s (a) mayoral combined authorities, (b) local authorities and (b) local stakeholders and communities on the planning and delivery of Northern Powerhouse Rail and associated regional transport networks.

This government recognises the importance of local knowledge and expertise in successful delivery of major infrastructure projects and is committed to delivering NPR in partnership with Mayors and local leaders. As agreed in the compact agreements with Mayoral Authorities, we will continue to work in close collaboration with Mayors partners through existing structures, such as the Liverpool – Manchester Railway Board, and the White Rose Agreement in Yorkshire. We will continue to engage with petitioners and the wider local community about how the proposals in the hybrid Bill will impact them. Where relevant, public consultations covering the programme and route alignment will take place as the programme develops.

To publish her Department’s economic forecast on the impact of Northern Powerhouse Rail and the Liverpool–Manchester Railway on (a) regional productivity, (b) labour market access and (c) job and skills creation in the North-West.

The Northern Growth Strategy: Case for Change set out this Government’s ambitions for Northern Powerhouse Rail, which will deliver a turn-up-and-go railway along the Northern Growth Corridor from Liverpool to York and forms a key part of the strategy to realise up to £40bn in Gross Value Added by bringing the economic output of the North’s biggest cities to the UK average. Detailed work to develop the Programme Business Case for NPR is underway and the Government intends to publish this later this year.

Further to the Answer to Question UIN 79041 on 20 October 2025, if he will provide an update on the Department’s investigation into the decline in road adoption rates across England; and when he expects the findings of that investigation to be published.

The Department is currently investigating the decline in road adoption rates through an ongoing research project. This project seeks to develop a clearer understanding of the road adoption landscape in England and identify ways to improve the process to reverse the declining trend. We will aim to publish the findings of the project as soon as possible this year.

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of a regional transport strategy to improve connectivity between towns.

Transport doesn’t stop at local authority boundaries. It is therefore important that transport is also considered at a regional level to provide context for transport schemes and help improve connectivity between areas. In England, regional transport strategies have been developed by the seven Sub-national Transport Bodies (STBs) which represent the entirety of England except London, which is covered by separate arrangements. The strategies produced by STBs reflect the collective priorities of their constituent authorities who are represented by local leaders and Mayors. The devolved governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each publish their own National Transport Strategies. Partnership working is also further facilitated by the Council of the Nations and Regions and Mayoral Council. These forums provide unparalleled opportunities for Mayors, working hand in glove with other local leaders, to engage government at the highest levels on a systematic basis. This government is committed to resetting the relationship with local and regional government, empowering local leaders and Mayors to make the right decisions for their communities, and working together to grow an inclusive economy, reform public services and secure better outcomes.