This section includes information about the current 2023 periodic review (PR23) of Network Rail's outputs and funding for
control period 7 (2024 – 2029).
Periodic reviews are one of the principal mechanisms by which ORR holds Network Rail to account, and secures value for money for users and funders of the railway.
PR23 will determine what Network Rail must deliver in control period 7 (CP7) and the funding it requires to do this.
On 17 June 2021 we published an open letter to launch PR23 and set out the focus of PR23 – namely safety, performance, asset sustainability, and efficiency.
PR23 timeline
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We have produced an infographic reflecting the indicative PR23 timeline. The timeline is also available in table format below.
Phase 1 (2022)
- Network Rail develops initial view of CP7 funding and outputs
- ORR advises funders to inform HLOSs/SOFAs
- DfT and Transport Scotland produce HLOSs & SOFAs
Phase 2 (2023)
- ORR scrutiny of Network Rail’s detailed CP7 plans
- ORR draft and final determination
Phase 3 (2024)
- Implementation
| Period | Milestones |
|---|---|
| April to June 2021 | We published PR23 launch letter (17 June 2021) We published Schedule 8 consultation (17 June 2021) |
| July to September 2021 | We published access charges consultation (15 July 2021) We published Schedule 4 consultation (30 September 2021) |
| January to March 2022 | Network Rail's pre HLOS/SoFA submission We publish guidance on how NR’s funding and outputs are determined |
| April to June 2022 | We published charges and incentives consultations We provided advice to funders We published review initiation notices We provided first set of supplementary advice to DfT |
| July to September 2022 | We publish policy framework consultation We publish technical consultation on success measures We publish our guidance to Network Rail on the preparation of its Strategic Business Plan We provide second set of supplementary advice to DfT We provide first set of supplementary advice to Scottish Ministers We provide second set of supplementary advice to Scottish Ministers |
| October to December 2022 | We conclude on charges and incentives frameworks for PR23 Secretary of State provides its HLOS and SoFA Scottish Ministers provide their HLOS and SoFA We publish policy framework decisions We publish our ‘Conclusion of Phase 1’ update letter |
| January to March 2023 | Network Rail publishes its Strategic Business Plan (SBP) |
| April to June 2023 | We publish and consult on our draft determination for England & Wales and Scotland |
| October to December 2023 | We publish our final determination for England & Wales and Scotland We commence formal process to change track and station access contracts |
| January to March 2024 | Network Rail publishes CP7 delivery plan |
| April to June 2024 | Start of CP7 |
* Indicative as of July 2022.
** Timeline may change to, for example, enable us adapt as the implementation plan for the Williams-Shapps Plan becomes clearer.
PR23 publications
All our PR23 publications, including consultations, notices and reports.
PR23 charges and incentives
Publications and information relating to charges and incentives for PR23.
PR23 legal notices
All our PR23 legal notices.