Overview of the Structure Part 2: Public Sector Funding Authorities for Railways
12.The Act provides a power for the Secretary of State to give financial assistance for any railway purpose.
13.The Act also makes provision for the provision of financial assistance from the Secretary of State, the Scottish Ministers and the National Assembly for Wales (NAW) for freight services.
14.The Act enables the Scottish Ministers to take increased responsibility for passenger services and infrastructure relating to Scotland. The NAW will also take on increased responsibilities for passenger services in Wales, and be made a signatory to the Wales and Borders franchise agreement.
15.This Part also modifies the powers of Passenger Transport Executives (PTEs) so that they may, subject to the Secretary of State's approval, enter into franchise agreements and agreements relating to the quality of franchised rail services. The Secretary of State will have a duty to consult a PTE when preparing to let a franchise which involves services to, from or within the area covered by the PTE. It also provides for Transport for London to be given equivalent powers to PTEs.