Rail Bosses rewarded for missing targets

Chief Executive of Network Rail, Sir David Higgins, will receive a bonus of almost £100,000, despite the organisation’s failure to meet some of its performance targets. Other senior figures are also set to receive bonuses of up to £67,000.

Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown & Peacehave is not happy with the payments and has written to the Transport Minister Norman Baker MP in order to express his concerns over the bumper bonuses being awarded to Network Rail bosses.

Simon recently set up the Better Trains 4 Brighton campaign, in response to frequent complaints from his constituents over the poor rail services in the area.

He said:

“Since becoming MP for Brighton Kemptown I have been in frequent correspondence with Network Rail to make them aware of the serious concerns people in the city have over the standard of rail services they have to put up with. It is clear to me that Network Rail must accept some of the responsibility for these shortcomings, which is why these bonuses seem so remarkable. They are awarded on top of very substantial salaries, and many people in Brighton will be questioning whether an additional £100,000 in performance related pay is justified, given the size of the problem that persists.

“I believe that the Government has a responsibility to hold the organisation to account on this issue, and I have written to the Rail Minister Norman Baker, to see that he does just that. I am also seeking a meeting with Network Rail representatives at the earliest possible convenience, and I will look to raise this issue with them directly.”