BRITAIN'S rail infrastructure budget has been cut by £1 billion following the Chancellor's Spending Review.

Rail minister Chris Heaton-Harris said Network Rail's funding for enhancements during 2019-2024 is £9.4 billion.

This is down nearly 10 per cent on the figure of £10.4 billion which rail regulator the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) previously calculated was the budget for the five-year period.

When asked whether this would impact on future plans for electrification of all the railway lines in Cumbria, apart from the Lakes Line, Network Rail said they will be assessing their future plans.

A spokesman said: “Funding is awarded to projects from the government budget once a business case is presented for approval.

"We will be working closely with the Department for Transport in the months ahead to review and assess our future upgrade plans to achieve the best possible outcomes for taxpayers and passengers.”