Network North will see a further £19.8 billion of investment in the north of England following the redirection of funding from the second phase of HS2. Liverpool city region is one of six areas to benefit from nearly £4 billion of uplift in the second round of the city region sustainable transport settlements. A further £1.48 billion is going to the non-mayoral local authorities to fund a wide range of projects.

I recently hosted a roundtable bringing together him, his local authority, Lancashire County Council, local rail operators and other interested parties to discuss how to further develop the business case for the Burscough curves. He will be aware that we have allocated £494 million over seven years starting next year to Lancashire County Council.

The Rail Minister, my hon. Friend the Member for Bexhill and Battle (Huw Merriman) set out clearly the improved performance that we have seen this year. We are clear that integrating track and train with our rail reform will improve things. Legislation before the House is being scrutinised by the Select Committee of my hon. Friend the Member for Milton Keynes South (Iain Stewart).

We will make it clear in guidance that local authorities should involve their Members of Parliament in discussing priorities. A number of bids were made and are currently being scrutinised under the Access for All programme, with an announcement on funded projects expected soon.

Over the last two years, significant interventions were made to keep rail fares rising no faster than wages. £31 billion was put into protecting the rail industry during the pandemic. As passenger figures recover, contracts incentivising companies to drive up passenger numbers will reduce reliance on taxpayer support and enable competitive fares.