Context
The Treasury has confirmed Northern Powerhouse Rail is classified as an England and Wales project, depriving Wales of £1 billion in funding. This affects areas outside the investment area including St Clears and Carmarthen.
Question
Diolch yn fawro. The Treasury has confirmed that Northern Powerhouse Rail will again be classified as an England and Wales project, again depriving Wales of £1 billion in funding. Instead, we are being asked to celebrate £445 million being spent over 10 years in east Wales. This decision means no electrification beyond Cardiff, no new station for St Clears, even though it was promised through the levelling-up fund, and no upgrades for Carmarthen station. What influence can the Secretary of State bring to bear on the Treasury, so that the 1.5 million people who live outside the investment area, who are excluded, get the funding that they deserve?
Answer from The Secretary of State for Wales (Jo Stevens)
Heavy rail projects in both countries are classified as England and Wales whether the track is in Wales, England or both. They do not attract Barnett consequentials because heavy rail is reserved. Examples of such projects include Padeswood in north Wales and the regeneration of Cardiff Central station. The scheme paves the way for more services, more regular services and faster services across north Wales and the north-west.
Not addressed: The Secretary did not specify what influence she can bring to bear on the Treasury but instead explained the classification of rail projects as England and Wales and provided examples of such projects.
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