Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

North Cotswold Line Dualling 2024-03-21

2024-03-21

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Harriett Baldwin Con
West Worcestershire
▸ Context
The North Cotswold Line Task Force and local stakeholders have been campaigning for enhancements to the line between Oxford and Worcester.
Whether he has made a recent assessment of the potential merits of dualling the North Cotswold Line between Oxford and Worcester. My right hon. Friend recognises my long-standing campaign on this scheme; I have worked alongside stakeholders including the North Cotswold Line Task Force to advocate for improvements.
Huw Merriman
I recognise my right hon. Friend's long-standing campaign on this scheme; she has worked alongside stakeholders including the North Cotswold Line Task Force. We continue to work with local stakeholders on their aspirations for enhancements to the line.
▸ Assessment & feedback
The assessment of the potential merits of dualling the North Cotswold Line was not addressed specifically.
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Harriett Baldwin Con
West Worcestershire
▸ Context
Worcestershire County Council has been allocated £209 million from HS2 money for local transport improvements. The North Cotswold Line Task Force is working with Network Rail on potential service enhancements.
I thank the team of Ministers for the £209 million that has been allocated to Worcestershire County Council from HS2 money, to help with local transport improvements. Will the Minister endorse a project in which we work with Oxfordshire County Council to find ways to redouble sections of the Oxford to Worcester line? That will result in faster, more frequent and more reliable services on the beautiful north Cotswold line.
Huw Merriman
As my right hon. Friend mentions, additional funding through Network North will help. Network Rail has been working with the taskforce and its consultants on timetable capacity and analysis, to see whether there is a smarter way to deliver additional services, with fewer infrastructure interventions. We expect that work to complete next month. I would be delighted if my right hon. Friend would join me and leaders of Worcestershire and Oxfordshire County Councils, and her neighbouring MP, to discuss this matter in the coming weeks.
▸ Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not explicitly endorse a project involving doubling sections of the line but suggested ongoing work on smarter service delivery.
Response accuracy