CONTROL PERIOD 6 UPDATE

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: march 2017 :: RMTnews 22 Network Rail Control Periods are the five-year timespans into which the owner and operator of most of the rail infrastructure in Great Britain works for financial and other planning purposes. Each Control Period begins on April 1 and ends on March 31 to coincide with the financial year. As Network Rail is responsible for developing and maintaining railway infrastructure, the Control Periods are used to decide priorities for investment. The Office of Road and Rail (ORR) began the Periodic Review 18 (PR18) process by publishing its Initial Consultation in May 2016. PR18 will determine Network Rail’s outputs and funding in control period 6 (CP6), which is expected to run from April 1 2019 to March 31 2024. RMT has fully engaged in the process to date, including by responding to the initial consultation. The ORR has also consulted on the development for the Network Rail national system operator in CP6, draft guidance on Network Rail’s strategic business plans, and the Financial Framework for PR18. RMT has responded to each consultation as published and also engaged directly with Network Rail, and both the Welsh and Scottish governments. This has included through identifying Network Rail matters in the Welsh Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee consultation and participating in Transport Scotland's Rail Infrastructure Strategy workshops. Written submissions have been prepared by the union in each case. RMT believes that now is the time for the ORR to work towards producing an ambitious programme of investment in, and rationalisation of, the rail industry. Most recent periodic review processes have been driven by the austerity agenda and the recognition by ORR that the wider fiscal constraints on governments are “likely to CONTROL PERIOD 6 UPDATE RMT responds to Network Rail spending plans to run from 2019 to 2024