Transport Minister says ‘BTPA are still necessary’

A recent government review into the BTPA has concluded the Authority is still necessary and remains the right body for overseeing the work of the transport police.

The Minister of State for Transport Baroness Kramer published part one of a triennial review of BTPA and its functions on 14 July.

Transport Minister Baroness Kramer said: “I am pleased to announce the conclusion of the part one review and the publication of the report.

“The report concludes that the functions of the BTPA are still necessary, that it remains the right body for delivering them and that the BTPA should remain a Non Departmental Public Body (NDPB).

“The report also concludes that the overall level of compliance with good practice on corporate governance is good, with just a few omissions and weaknesses which should be capable of being quickly addressed. The Department for Transport will be taking these recommended measures forward in discussion with the BTPA over the coming months.

“The review has been progressed in two parts. Part one – the core triennial review – has considered the continuing need for the BTPA’s functions and the case for it to remain a NDPB. It has also looked at the control and governance arrangements in place to ensure that the BTPA is complying with recognised principles of good corporate governance.

“Part two of the review considers a wider range of issues raised by the industry about the effectiveness of the BTPA in the discharge of its functions and the industry’s ability to influence outcomes.”

Millie Banerjee Chair of the BTPA said: “We are pleased with part one of the review and will work closely with the DFT to address any short comings. BTPA is committed to delivering the best possible policing of Britain’s railways and await – with keen interest – part two of the report.”

View the full statement from the Minister of State for Transport.