During these challenging economic times, the Heritage Railway Association is emphasising to UK governments that heritage rail is in need of continuing support.

Over 180 heritage rail organisations are represented by the association. The rapid rise in energy costs coupled with a reduction in visitor spending power means that the sector has been one of the hardest hit, and has been pressing its case that the sector is in need of help.

Cumulatively, the impact of large electricity price rises and a reduction in visitor spending, coupled with spiralling costs for coal, is forcing many railways to make tough choices. To be able to survive, some are having to consider staffing redundancies or other cost-reducing measures.

The Heritage Railway Association has made a number of representations to the UK Government calling for it to recognise the challenges and, where possible, offer appropriate support. By making the case directly and with bodies working with the wider cultural or visitor economy sectors, the association is making sure that government is fully aware of the heritage rail’s current situation.

A significant, but incremental, move with energy costs has come through close cooperation with the Heritage Alliance. Relevant data and detailed evidence provided by the association to the Government led it to add a number of heritage-related activities to a list of ‘Energy and Trade Intensive Industries’ that qualify for a higher- level of support under the latest Energy Bill Relief Scheme. Most heritage rail operators will now be able to access that higher level of support.

The Heritage Railway Association has also submitted a strong response to government consultation on the spring 2023 budget and called for strategic and long-term policy intervention that recognises heritage rail and similar sectors as being at the heart of the UK’s cultural heritage.

Through its representation, it was made clear that heritage rail forms an essential part of Britain’s global appeal, and that £600m is contributed to the economy every year and directly employs 4,000 people. In towns as diverse as Bridgnorth, Pickering, Porthmadog, and Swanage, it is the heritage railways act that makes them key anchor destinations.

The association also made clear that heritage, culture and tourism often fall between gaps in specific measures, or are caught up in unintended consequences resulting from wider policy decisions. The All-Party Parliamentary Group on heritage rail has previously stated that the heritage sector often suffers through the unintended consequences of other policy measures, such as with coal or the engagement of young people.

Heritage Railway Association Chief Executive, Steve Oates, said: “It’s highly unlikely that we’ll see the kind of direct support that railways received during the height of the coronavirus pandemic again; that doesn’t mean there’s nothing governments can do though.

“We certainly don’t have access to a magic wand and we have to acknowledge that many sectors in the UK economy are currently being hit very hard by a combination of circumstances. But we’ll continue to make the case as forcefully as we can and using every avenue open to us, that heritage rail needs to be considered when government policy is being formulated.”