Government works in partnership with communications providers to promote networks remaining secure, resilient, and accessible as possible, including during emergencies and service disruption, although we do not hold records of individual incidents. Communication providers are required to take appropriate measures to identify, reduce and prepare for security compromises. They are also required to report significant incidents to Ofcom, who have powers to investigate, rectify and penalise communications providers for any infringement of their duties.

Under Ofcom’s General Conditions of Entitlement Communication Providers are expected to keep customers up to date on disruption to services and when to expect normal service. Ofcom have also published Network and Service Resilience Guidance that provides advice and expectations on how providers can meet statutory obligations.

Any suspected crimes should be reported to the police, and the police’s National Infrastructure Crime Reduction Partnership works with industry and other authorities such as the National Protective Security Authority to investigate and tackle metal theft and other crimes affecting critical infrastructure, strengthening coordination, intelligence sharing, and preventative activity across the UK.

We are committed to improving the accessibility of the railway and recognise the social and economic benefits this brings to communities.

Since 2006 the Access for All programme has installed accessible, step free routes at over 270 stations plus a range of smaller scale access improvements at around 1500 stations.

In May 2024, the previous government agreed the publication of a list of 50 additional stations selected for initial feasibility work, which included Dorchester South railway station.

Network Rail have now completed all 50 feasibility studies and we will shortly be announcing which of those stations will progress.

I am pleased that Dorset Council have already pledged some funding for the project but would welcome any further contributions that could be found.

We are committed to improving the accessibility of the railway and recognise the social and economic benefits this brings to communities.

Since 2006 the Access for All programme has installed accessible, step free routes at over 270 stations plus a range of smaller scale access improvements at around 1500 stations.

In May 2024, the previous government agreed the publication of a list of 50 additional stations selected for initial feasibility work, which included Dorchester South railway station.

Network Rail have now completed all 50 feasibility studies and we will shortly be announcing which of those stations will progress.

I am pleased that Dorset Council have already pledged some funding for the project but would welcome any further contributions that could be found.

We are committed to improving the accessibility of the railway and recognise the social and economic benefits this brings to communities.

Since 2006 the Access for All programme has installed accessible, step free routes at over 270 stations plus a range of smaller scale access improvements at around 1500 stations.

In May 2024, the previous government agreed the publication of a list of 50 additional stations selected for initial feasibility work, which included Dorchester South railway station.

Network Rail have now completed all 50 feasibility studies and we will shortly be announcing which of those stations will progress.

I am pleased that Dorset Council have already pledged some funding for the project but would welcome any further contributions that could be found.

We are committed to improving the accessibility of the railway and recognise the social and economic benefits this brings to communities.

Since 2006 the Access for All programme has installed accessible, step free routes at over 270 stations plus a range of smaller scale access improvements at around 1500 stations.

In May 2024, the previous government agreed the publication of a list of 50 additional stations selected for initial feasibility work, which included Dorchester South railway station.

Network Rail have now completed all 50 feasibility studies and we will shortly be announcing which of those stations will progress.

I am pleased that Dorset Council have already pledged some funding for the project but would welcome any further contributions that could be found.

This Government recognises the importance of sufficient parking provision at railway stations. Decisions on specific projects are a matter for the relevant local authority. However, we have recently announced that Dorset Council will receive nearly £2 million as part of the Integrated Transport Block which can be used to support a wide variety of schemes and make transport more accessible. In addition, the Council has been allocated over £3.8 million to make improvements to their local bus services. This funding gives Local Authorities an opportunity to consider whether it would be viable to integrate public transport provision with local railway stations, offering an alternative mode of transport for people to travel to those locations.

This Government recognises the need to ensure people can travel to and from railway stations with minimal delays. The relevant local authority is responsible for dealing with traffic management issues and these include governing on-street parking provision and restrictions. They are in the best position to determine how to manage these so that congestion can be reduced for local people as much as possible.

The Department has not had discussions with Dorset Council on this matter. Responsibility for implementing parking restrictions rests with the appropriate local authority, as they are best placed to consider how to balance the needs of residents, emergency services, local business and those who work in and visit the area. Dorset Council has civil parking enforcement powers to deal with any contraventions of their parking restrictions.

The Department recognises the invaluable contributions made by the Army Reserves to Defence. Ensuring they have adequate support remains both a priority of mine, and the Ministry of Defence, demonstrated by the fact I have commissioned an internal review in Defence to ensure that we are making the most of the unique contribution our Reserve Forces offer.

Any decisions about future investment in Reserve Centres occupied by the Army are pending the outcome of the Strategic Defence Review.

Stations in the Access for All programme including Dorchester South railway station follow the normal Network Rail project lifecycle, including option selection and detailed design, which once complete will inform which measures are installed to improve accessibility at the station.

Network Rail are expected to complete the feasibility study for Dorchester South by late spring 2025. Once all 50 studies within the Access for All programme have been completed, expected by summer 2025, Network Rail will be able to confirm a delivery schedule. Stations selected for delivery are due to be completed by 2029.

The Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to communities and high streets in Dorset and across the UK, and is committed to championing sufficient access for all as a priority. This is why the Government is working closely with banks to roll out 350 banking hubs, which will provide local residents and businesses up and down the country with critical cash and banking services. Over 100 banking hubs are already open.

FCA guidance expects firms to carefully consider the impact of planned branch closures on their customers’ everyday banking and cash access needs and put in place alternatives where reasonable. This seeks to ensure that branch closures are implemented in a way that treats customers fairly.

Alternative options to access everyday banking services can be via telephone banking, through digital means such as mobile or online banking and via the Post Office. The Post Office Banking Framework allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, pay bills and cash cheques at 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK.