Agenda item

Resolved:

(i)             That the updates provided in the report be noted.

(ii)            That a letter be sent from the Committee (with the abstention of Wakefield Members) to the Government explaining and expressing opposition to the National Infrastructure Commission’s Rail Needs Assessment, including the concerns outlined in paragraph 2.17 of the submitted report and also highlighting the importance of protecting former rail corridors.

(iii)          That the Committee retrospectively endorses the Combined Authority’s input to the Union Connectivity Review call for evidence.

(iv)          That the Committee notes the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s response to the “Transport Select Committee call for evidence into Major transport infrastructure projects”.

The Committee considered a report on the development of the West Yorkshire Rail Strategy, including a letter from Combined Authority leaders in response to the National Infrastructure Commission’s Rail Needs Assessment (RNA).

Members received an update about Transport for the North (TfN), who had strongly agreed that the RNA was inadequate and that the funding limits were insufficient to allow the delivery of the levelling-up agenda. It was felt that the North was being forced to choose between the completion of HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail, and it was noted that none of the scenarios given in the RNA would deliver Northern Powerhouse Rail in full. This stood in strong contrast to reports of overspending on other parts of rail investment. TfN had agreed to draft a statutory letter, made public and shared with MPs, and to seek an urgent meeting with the Secretary of State for Transport.

Members largely shared the concerns raised over the RNA and supported the proposal of a letter being sent to the Government expressing their opposition to the scheme. Wakefield Members noted their abstention from this letter as they supported the approach to priorities displayed by the RNA. Members discussed the links between investment in new capacity such as HS2 on local schemes.

The long-term benefits of protecting former rail corridors both locally and nationally were highlighted, and it was agreed that a paragraph supporting this would be added to the proposed letter.

The important role of Leeds Railway Station was discussed, with Members emphasising its role as a main transport hub for the North. It was noted that any limitations of Leeds Railway Station restricted rail developments in the region, and that further investment was an important priority for the region.

Members discussed the expected Williams Rail Review, which it was hoped would provide useful insights in how some of the problems discussed could be solved.

The Committee also noted the Combined Authority’s response to the Transport Select Committee call for evidence into major transport infrastructure projects, as well as the Union Connectivity Review, which had been circulated to Members. Members had provided input into the Union Connectivity Review response prior to the meeting, but it was highlighted that further investment in rail provision was needed if it was hoped that a significant share of the public would switch from flight to rail for long-distance domestic journeys as well as those to other nearby nations.

Resolved:

(i)      That the updates provided in the report be noted.

(ii)     That a letter be sent from the Committee (with the abstention of Wakefield Members) to the Government explaining and expressing opposition to the National Infrastructure Commission’s Rail Needs Assessment, including the concerns outlined in paragraph 2.17 of the submitted report and also highlighting the importance of protecting former rail corridors.

(iii)   That the Committee retrospectively endorses the Combined Authority’s input to the Union Connectivity Review call for evidence.

(iv)   That the Committee notes that the West Yorkshire Combined Authority response to the “Transport Select Committee call for evidence into Major transport infrastructure projects”.