House of Commons
29 November 2024
May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.
The Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Act 2024 moves UK rail away from private franchising and towards public-sector provision of passenger services, with a transitional period and a set of new duties, reporting requirements and bodies to improve performance and accountability. It also sets out how and when public ownership should be implemented, and how it should interact with devolved administrations and regional bodies.
The bill progressed through the Commons and Lords, with Lords amendments proposed to strengthen the policy framework. The Commons disagreed with two key Lords amendments, and after debates it became law on 28 November 2024, ending franchising and directing services to public-sector operators.
In the Commons, the bill enjoyed broad cross-party support across stages, with large aye majorities and mixed opposition. Parties and MPs debated the balance between public ownership and financial/contractual arrangements. Lords amendments proposing a purpose clause and a termination mechanism were not accepted by the Commons, which preferred to maintain the financial and policy arrangements as they stood; the bill ultimately received Royal Assent as law.
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28 Nov 2024
Showing agreed, defeated, and withdrawn amendments.
Based on 6 recorded votes • Sorted by % Aye
Following agreement by both Houses on the text of the bill it received Royal Assent on 28 November. The bill is now an Act of Parliament (law).
An Act ending passenger rail franchising and directing services to be provided by public-sector companies instead. It amends the Railways Act 1993 to ban franchise extensions and new franchises, requires direct awards of public service contracts to public-sector operators, and introduces a temporary continuation mechanism for existing franchises; it also defines a public-sector company and applies related duties, including the public sector equality duty.
Two Lords amendments are being considered to the Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill. Amendment A would insert a purpose clause stating the act aims to improve passenger railway services and require the Secretary of State to have regard to that aim; the Commons say it is unnecessary. Amendment B would introduce a new clause on termination of existing franchise agreements (including ranking by performance and when break clauses can be used), but the Commons say it would alter financial arrangements.
Lords amendments would (1) insert a purpose clause stating the Act’s aim is to improve passenger railway performance and require the Secretary of State to have regard to that aim, and (2) add a new clause (25B) allowing termination of existing franchise agreements for default, ranking them by performance with criteria to be set after consultation, and permitting break-clause termination only if no worse-performing contracts remain and a public sector operator would improve service. The Commons disagree with both: the purpose clause is considered unnecessary, and the termination provisions would alter the Commons’ financial arrangements.
