Philip Rutnam
Permanent Secretary of the Department for Transport
How did you tackle the biggest challenges facing the organisation in 2014?
HS2 is the biggest infrastructure project in at least a generation. There was a huge majority in favour at second reading of the Hybrid Bill. That was the result of a huge amount of hard work by both ministers and officials. We made sure our strategic case was really strong, the arguments were made powerfully, and preparations for the project were thorough. 2014 was also the year rail franchising got fully back into action, better than ever I’d say – with major franchises worth billions and covering well over 20% of the network.
What are your department’s top priorities in the last months before the election?
We play a vital role in relation to safe and secure operation of the transport system on a daily basis. I mention that because it can easily be taken for granted. But there’s also the rest of the transport investment programme, including Thameslink, Crossrail, the new Intercity Express Programme trains, and a £24bn upgrade over this parliament and the next to our roads including major improvements to rail. We’re also preparing to receive the results of the Davies Commission on airports in 2015. At the same time, we are continuing to build the commercial capability and the project and programme management skills DfT needs: DfT has the largest capital budget in Whitehall, running at £10bn a year and growing.
What is your favourite Christmas treat?
Assuming there’s some snow, going tobogganing on any nearby hill.
What makes you go ‘Bah! Humbug!’?
Christmas decorations on sale in the shops in October.