MP slams Network Rail for rewarding failure with bonuses (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

MP slams Network Rail for rewarding failure with bonuses

2:50pm Friday 3rd February 2012 in News By Zoe Forsey

St Albans MP Anne Main slammed bosses at Network Rail for asking for large bonuses, despite problems with the services.

During a three hour debate in Westminster Hall last night, which was organised to highlight the failings of the company, cross-party MPs discussed the possibility that executives could receive six figure bonuses, which will be partially funded by the taxpayer.

Six executives at Network Rail are demanding a new bonus scheme which would see them each receiving millions of pounds if it is agreed next week.

Anne Main said: “It is totally unacceptable for bosses to be claiming these large bonuses – I find it quite alarming.

“Bonuses should be a reward for success – they should not just be given out.

“Network Rail have been failing across the board on rail safety, delays, overruns and missing targets.

“The officers have got to try to encourage them to improve.”

The Conservative politician has strongly crticised the performance of Network Rail, which receives £4 billion from the public purse.

She added: “I am trying to improve the rail services for my constituents.

“St Albans is a city where about 50 per cent of people commute into London.

“If we cannot develop a proper service people could get back in their cars, which is bad for the environment, or they may even decide that living in St Albans is no longer a viable option.”

Commuters travelling from the St Albans train stations have faced severe delays on First Capital Connect trains for several months.

However, First Capital Connect have no control over 64 per cent of the delays that occur in the area.

Parliamentary under-secretary of state for transport Norman Baker was one of the politicians to attend last night’s meeting.

In reply to a case made by Anne Main, he said: “Alongside our commitment to modernise and improve the network comes an equally crucial commitment to drive down costs and improve the efficiency of the railway.

"In large part, that involves addressing the concerns that the Member for St Albans and others have raised about Network Rail’s accountability and performance.”