East West Rail 2024-05-16
2024-05-16
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The East West Rail connection from Bicester to Bletchley was completed in March. The government announced £240 million for the Oxford-Bedford section at the spring Budget, expected to start services by the end of the decade.
What recent progress has been made on the East West Rail project? I am concerned about the cost and impact on taxpayers. The connection from Bedford to Cambridge will cost a lot of money, with developers benefiting but little contact in initial consultations. Statutory consultation is happening over summer, yet driven by a secretive Treasury board.
I thank my hon Friend for his question. East West Rail is progressing with cross-governmental coordination to unlock economic benefits. The growth board, led by the Treasury, will ensure a joined-up approach and economic opportunity for the region.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific concerns about cost impact on taxpayers and lack of initial consultation contact were not addressed
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The East West Rail CEO resigned due to difficulties. The statutory consultation for the Bedford-Cambridge section will start this summer, but it missed initial contacts in previous consultations. The economic growth board is secretive.
What can be told my constituents about the connection of East West Rail from Bedford to Cambridge? The project has high costs, developers benefitting with planning gain. Previous consultation missed key stakeholders. The secretiveness and lack of transparency by the Treasury's economic growth board raises concerns.
I thank my hon Friend for his question. The East West Rail growth board, led by the Treasury, is critical to ensuring a joined-up approach. It looks at this project as an economic opportunity for the area.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific concerns about cost impact on taxpayers and lack of initial consultation contact were not addressed
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities established the Cambridge delivery group to create 150,000 additional homes. This will bring transport challenges due to increased housing.
What structures are in place to ensure proper dialogue between Departments for East West Rail? The Minister's colleagues have set up a group that looks at creating more homes which could lead to more transport issues.
The East West Rail growth board, led by the Treasury, will ensure a joined-up approach. It is essential that we look at this project as an economic opportunity for the region. There is an impact where there is housing, but without workforce, Cambridge cannot compete globally.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific dialogue structures and transparency were not detailed
Response accuracy