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Written question asked by Baroness Kennedy of Cradley (Labour) on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 28 January 2026. It was answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill (Labour) on Wednesday, 28 January 2026 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Rapid Transit Systems: Coventry

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to support the building of a tram or light rail system in Coventry.

Answer

Local transport, including light rail, is largely devolved. It is for local transport authorities to determine whether a light rail or tram scheme represents an appropriate intervention to address any local mass transit challenge or opportunity.

The Chancellor announced the £15.6 billion Transport for City Regions (TCR) settlements for 9 eligible mayoral strategic authorities on 4 June 2025. As part of this announcement West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), which includes Coventry, was allocated £2.4 billion in local transport funding through to 2031/32. This investment aims to drive economic growth and improve access to opportunities in the region. While the Government sets the overarching objectives for the programme, TCR is devolved and Mayors have discretion over how to allocate these funds to meet local transport priorities, including mass transit.

WMCA has previously allocated £5m from its devolved City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) to progress a mass transit route options study in Coventry.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL13597
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Rapid transit systems Coventry Trams
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk