Decision details

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.

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.