Transport Committee chair Ruth Cadbury has gained a government commitment to work with the Mayor of London, Transport for London, Network Rail and councils on the proposed West London Orbital railway.
The Transport Committee chair secured a Westminster Hall debate on the plan for a London Overground service between Hounslow and Hendon using existing freight lines. Transport for London estimates that the scheme could support more than 25,000 homes and about 11,500 jobs.
Transport minister Justin Madders said the government would work with the mayor and other partners on how new fiscal-devolution arrangements could help fund the project. He also said rail minister Lord Hendy would be willing to discuss it with London authorities.
The Budget set out plans for mayors to receive a share of business rates from 2027 and local income tax from 2028. Ministers also intend to legislate for a successor to the business-rate supplement used for the Elizabeth line, with full details due at the 2027 spending review.
Madders made clear that the orbital scheme remains at development stage and does not yet have a funding package. TfL's consultation runs until 18 November, while design work is expected to continue through 2027.
Cadbury pressed the government to help resolve issues including level crossings and shared passenger and freight capacity. The minister said departments would work to remove government-controlled obstacles if TfL chose to proceed, with possible operation in the mid-2030s.
