Written question asked by Lord Berkeley (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Davies of Oldham (Labour) on Monday, 30 January 2006.

Transport: Manchester Metrolink

Question: Whether any metropolitan district council outside of Merseyside has been asked to provide unlimited and unconditional guarantees relating to the capital expenditure on a scheme promoted by a passenger transport authority.

Answer: In December 2002, the Government approved an increase to £520 million for the public sector costs of the proposed Manchester Metrolink extensions. Before this approval was given, and as a condition of approval, the Government demanded and received confirmation from the Section 151 officers of each district council that, as a matter of professional judgment, they were satisfied that the contributions that would fall to be made by their authorities were affordable, given that the Government’s contribution was capped.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 3554; 678 c17WA
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Construction Capital investment Guarantees Rapid transit systems Metropolitan districts
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk