First published on Rail Business Daily on January 10, 2025.
The Devolution White Paper marks the next step in a long journey of regional ambition. While these proposed changes will give metro mayors more power than ever, the drive to shape rail has been building for years across all parts of local Government.
SLC has built its business on helping local authorities navigate the complexities of rail projects. This has included working with local councils and combined authorities to develop Rail Investment Strategies and identify strategic improvements that help unlock economic growth aligned with regional vision and deliver the rail projects themselves.
Paul Fountaine, Director of SLC and Framework lead for the Transport for West Midlands, West Midlands Rail Executive Rail Programme team, believes that local government, alongside Great British Railways and other rail partners, will continue to be a driving force in shaping our railway landscape.
He explains: “The proposed changes in the Devolution White Paper will give mayors unprecedented power to drive economic growth and housing. This means that established mayoral authorities can make decisions faster, including about spending, planning, station control and infrastructure. The benefits of devolution can already be seen in places such as the West Midlands, Greater Manchester, and in Liverpool, where there have been significant benefits for passengers and communities.”
SLC has a track record of working with combined authorities to help them take greater control of local rail and support their projects. This has included supporting the establishment of the West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE), and helping Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) obtain a station licence from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) for the operation of Horwich Parkway.
The company has also been working with local councils across the UK on rail schemes for over a decade. SLC has supported Warwickshire County Council to realise its rail ambitions across several station projects, including Stratford-upon-Avon Parkway, which opened in 2013. The station is an excellent example of local strategic ambition. It was designed and built to reduce traffic congestion on the local and strategic road networks, boost tourism and assist the local economy.
Paul continues: “A local approach unlocks opportunities to deliver rail networks more responsive to local needs, enhancing connectivity, economic growth and links with housing developments. This enables prioritisation of projects that may otherwise be overlooked within a national context and offers the opportunity for improved integration with other forms of local transport such as bus, road and light rail.”
Paul adds: “To maximise the benefits of a local approach, there also needs to be an awareness of national and regional priorities – the railway operates as a complex integrated system and it is vital to understand the implications of developments on this, and vice versa.”
If you would like support to help navigate devolution opportunities or help shape your rail ambitions, contact enquiries@slcrail.com
