Network Rail and Small Schemes Budget

Each year, Network Rail has a budget of £50 million to spend on small schemes (costing up to £5 million each).

Such schemes could include extra platforms at cramped stations, a second track on single-track sections of line and new junctions to allow trains to cross at higher speeds.

Last year, it only spent £4m of its £50m budget. This year, it only plans to spend £26 million of its £50m.

From a list of 171 urgent projects, Network Rail could name only five where work had begun.

When more than a billion rail journeys are made each year, you have to wonder what's going on.