Purpose

The
Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail emphasises the importance of
strengthening collaboration to improve outcomes for rail
passengers. To support the national agenda as well as delivering on
local and regional objectives, Lancashire County Council, along
with neighbouring North West Local Transport Authorities, have been
discussing closer partnership working to improve rail services in
the region and wish to establish a North West Regional Business
Unit for Rail, under the existing Rail North Partnership
framework.
 
On
6th July 2023 Cabinet considered and gave approval for Lancashire
County Council to become a Member of the North West Regional
Business Unit for Rail.
 
The
North West Regional Business Unit will provide advice to the Rail
North Partnership and Transport for the North on rail matters
within the North West including train services, fares and
ticketing, infrastructure, stations, rolling stock, customer
experience and sustainability. 
 
There are also no changes to rights, responsibilities or
accountabilities of existing rail industry partners, and any rights
Local Transport Authorities have under the existing Franchise
Management Agreement between Local Transport Authorities, Transport
for the North and Rail North Partnership.
 
A
Collaboration Agreement document has now been developed which sets
out objectives, roles and responsibilities, decision making and
gives details on how advice will be given and how the North West
Regional Business Unit will be governed. This terms of the
agreement now need to be formalised and signed off by each member
Local Transport Authority.
 

Content

Matt Townsend, Director of
Highways and Transport, in consultation with the Director of Law
and Governance, Director of Finance and the Cabinet Member for
Highways and Transport took a decision to finalise the terms of the
North West Regional Business Unit collaboration
agreement.