Skip to main content

Written question asked by Siân Berry (Green Party) on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 November 2025. It was answered by Keir Mather (Labour) on Wednesday, 26 November 2025 on behalf of the Department for Transport.


Rolling Stock: Procurement

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the answers to question 87756 on 14 November 2025 and question 87421 on 11 November 2025, what consideration has she made of the value for money of (a) continuing to leave current railway rolling stock leasing arrangements in the private sector, and (b) bringing future procurement of railway rolling stock into the public sector.

Answer

Rolling Stock Leasing Companies (ROSCOs) play an important role in the industry, bringing benefits to both taxpayers and passengers. Since 1995 there has been significant private sector investment in rolling stock totalling over £20 billion.

The Government is now working to develop a long-term strategy for rolling stock and associated infrastructure, which will consider how the public sector can secure best value from the rolling stock market in future, but we expect Great British Railways to continue to lease rolling stock from ROSCOs where they can offer value for money terms.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
92441
Session
2024-26
Related items
Rolling Stock: Leasing
Tuesday, 11 November 2025
Written questions
House of Commons
Rolling Stock
Friday, 14 November 2025
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Procurement Rolling stock
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk