Roles and responsibilities
Introduction
Although East Sussex County Council does not have a statutory responsibility for rail, travelling by train is an important part of how people travel into, out of, and around East Sussex. Therefore, it is important that we work in partnership with the Department for Transport (DfT), Network Rail and Great British Railways (GBR) (once established), the Train Operating Companies (TOCs) and other rail bodies and organisations - including the South East Community Rail Partnership, and other local rail groups - to improve rail services and infrastructure, and the integration of other modes to support access to rail stations.
Rail travel meets many of our Council priorities, including delivering sustainable economic growth and achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The East Sussex Local Transport Plan 4 (LTP4) places greater emphasis on public transport, including opportunities for rail, than previous LTPs.
Key organisations
Department for Transport (DfT)
The DfT provides rail policy, outlines the strategy, and provides funding for the rail network in England (and Wales). This is overseen by the Secretary of State for Transport, the ministerial team, and DfT officials.
Great British Railways (GBR) – awaiting legislation to be established
Network Rail’s strategic and planning functions (along with functions within the DfT and Rail Delivery Group) are planned to be merged into a new organisation, GBR. This was a key recommendation as part of the Williams Shapps Rail Review in 2011, and the Kings Speech in 2023 announced the progression of a draft Rail Reform Bill which would enable the establishment of GBR. The Labour government in July 2024 highlighted this as one of their key priorities for transport, including a wider commitment to gradually re-nationalising rail passenger services over the course of the parliament by ‘Creating a simpler, better railway for everyone in Britain’.
GBR will be a public body responsible for the future planning, delivery and operation of the rail network in Great Britain and specify future infrastructure and service needs. It will also manage most passenger rail services in the south east through new Passenger Service Contracts with TOCs/GBR, which will replace the existing franchise arrangements. Once established GBR will take over NR in its role as infrastructure manager.
GBR are currently working in shadow format. East Sussex County Council and their partners look forward to working with GBR to improve rail in, out of, and around the County.
Network Rail (NR)
Network Rail currently own and manage most of the railway infrastructure in Great Britain. This includes 20,000 miles of track, 30,000 bridges, tunnels and viaducts, and thousands of signals and level crossings. The purpose of Network Rail is to connect people and goods to where they need to be. As outlined under GBR it is expected that the role and functions of Network Rail will be taken over by GBR.
Train and Freight Operating Companies (TOCs/FOCs/GBR)
TOCs/GBR deliver passenger services, and FOCs operate freight services, with both operating over infrastructure provided by NR. They set and deliver rail timetables and provide ancillary facilities and amenities such as cycle and car parking, manage ticket offices, waiting rooms and shelters, and customer service. Through the Rail Delivery Group (RDG), TOCs/GBR also develop strategies and plans to improve the railway. The TOCs are in the process of being under public ownership, with Southeastern already having transitioned, and GTR to take place 31 May 2026.
Office of Road and Rail (ORR)
In respect of rail, the ORR are the independent economic and safety regulator for Britain’s railways. They hold NR (and High Speed 1) to account and seek to make sure that the rail industry is competitive and fair. They ensure that the railway is safe, and is kept safe, at a reasonably practicable cost.
Rail Delivery Group
The Rail Delivery Group (RDG) was established in June 2011 (and formalised in 2013) by the major passenger and freight train operator groups and NR to take responsibility for co-ordinating and leading on cross-industry initiatives.
A recommendation of the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail in 2021 was that elements of RDG’s activity should sit within the remit of an arm’s length body. In May 2022, Rail Partners was formed to continue advocacy and policy activities previously undertaken by RDG on behalf of members, in advance of RDG’s transfer to GBR.
Transport for the South East
Transport for the South East (TfSE) is a sub-national transport body for the South East of England. It is a partnership, including with 16 local authorities, with a purpose to determine what investment is needed to transform our region’s transport system and drive economic growth. TfSE produce a number of complementary strategies to our own, including those relating to rail and freight.
Mayoral Combined County Authority (MCCA) for Sussex and Brighton - emerging
The strategy embraces the establishment of the MCCA for Sussex and Brighton. The establishment of the MCCA will devolve the powers and funding for strategic planning, transport and economic growth from central government. Therefore, the transport priorities for the wider Sussex geography will be set by the new Mayor, eventually through the development of a joint Local Transport Plan across the Sussex geography.
Governance
East Sussex County Council will establish appropriate governance to oversee the development, delivery and benefits arising from schemes and policies included in this strategy.
This approach will utilise the stakeholder groups established as part of the development of LTP4 and the East Sussex Rail Strategy, which in turn will support the monitoring of the strategy.
The County Council is a member of Transport for the South East’s (TfSE’s) Partnership Board and has the ability to guide the development and approval of regional strategies and policies. The County Council is also a member of TfSE’s Transport Forum and will use this opportunity to present and advocate for rail-specific issues within and affecting the county.
East Sussex County Council will also continue to engage with central government departments associated with the delivery of transport policy, such as the DfT and the rail industry. The County Council will advocate for policy and investment which deliver on the objectives of this strategy. However, East Sussex County Council recognises that engagement in the future is likely to be through the emerging MCCA for Sussex and Brighton.
Local Transport Plan 4 (LTP4) sets a range of objectives guiding the management and continued development to local transport across the county. This strategy will constitute a vital element of LTP4. The County Council will work collaboratively with its local planning authorities to integrate within their statutory Local Plans rail service and infrastructure improvements, and ensure they prioritise the infrastructure required, as well as protect sites for future rail infrastructure projects where possible.
The rail industry and businesses, alongside the general public, can help to influence rail demand and movements. The County Council and partners will engage effectively with stakeholders to facilitate behavioural change towards public transport including to rail from the private car and improve rail services and infrastructure which would further encourage more people to travel by rail. Encouraging and enabling more people to travel by active modes - walking, wheeling and cycling - to/from train stations will be covered in the East Sussex Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan.