Story perspectives

Transport Secretary Denies Devolution of Accessibility Funding

11/19/2025

Summary

Story summary

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander rejected Andy Burnham and Northern leaders' request to devolve Access for All (AfA) funding.
She said there is "no prospect" of devolving the funding because all current allocations are committed.
Burnham criticized slow funding, noting only three stations in the North become accessible each year.
The AfA program, initiated in 2006, aims to enhance accessibility for disabled passengers, yet many Northern stations still lack modern standards.

History

Historical Context

The Access for All (AfA) program, initiated in 2006, aims to enhance station accessibility for disabled passengers in the UK. However, progress has been slow, with only three Northern stations upgraded annually. This reflects broader challenges in addressing regional disparities in infrastructure investment, echoing historical struggles for disability rights, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which sought to eliminate discrimination in public services.

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Story summary

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander rejected Andy Burnham and Northern leaders' request to devolve Access for All (AfA) funding.
She said there is "no prospect" of devolving the funding because all current allocations are committed.
Burnham criticized slow funding, noting only three stations in the North become accessible each year.
The AfA program, initiated in 2006, aims to enhance accessibility for disabled passengers, yet many Northern stations still lack modern standards.

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