PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
(3 July 2025)

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the (a) operational cost and (b) salary of the Chief Executive of the Office of Road and Rail is; what assessment she has made of the (i) value for money and (ii) effectiveness of that office; and whether she plans to abolish that office.

Asked by:
Shaun Davies (Labour)

The Office of Rail and Road’s Annual Report and Accounts for 2023/24 show a total expenditure of £40.77 million. This is detailed on page 53 of the report, available at:

https://www.orr.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2024-07/orr-annual-report-and-accounts-2023-2024-web.pdf

The Chief Executive’s annual salary for 2023/24 is reported as being in the range of £170,000–£175,000, with performance related pay of £5,000–£10,000. This information is published in the Remuneration and Staff Report, available at:

https://www.orr.gov.uk/annual-report-and-accounts-2023-2024/accountability-report/remuneration-and-staff-report

We would note that we expect the 2024/25 Annual Report and Accounts to be published in the next few weeks on ORR’s website which will provide updated information.

The Department for Transport keeps the value for money and effectiveness of the ORR under ongoing review to ensure it delivers against its objectives efficiently and in line with public spending principles.

As set out in our consultation, the Government is committed to delivering a simpler, more accountable railway, ensuring clear responsibilities and an efficient system that delivers for passengers and freight.

The Government proposes that ORR will retain its key regulatory functions, including on safety and will have a robust and independent appeals function on access decisions, ensuring capacity allocation decisions remain fair and non-discriminatory. There are no plans to abolish the ORR.

Answered by:
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