Congleton's MP has welcomed the freeze on rail fares.

Ahead of tomorrow's Budget announcement, Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed a freeze on rail fares – the first in 30 years.

Sarah Russell, whose constituency covers Sandbach and Alsager, is pleased about the impact this will have on families and commuters in her constituency.

She said: "This historic freeze will give much-needed breathing space for families across Alsager, Congleton, Holmes Chapel, and Sandbach.

"Labour understands the cost pressures working people face.

"And we also understand that the economy only works when it works for everyone – including making sure it's affordable for people to travel to work and get where they need to."

It is understood the freeze, until March 2027, will only apply to regulated fares in England and services run by England-based train operators.

Regulated fares include season tickets covering most commuter routes, some off-peak return tickets on long-distance journeys and flexible tickets for travel in and around major cities.

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The move is part of the Labour government's wider plan to establish a publicly owned company called Great British Railway (GBR).

GBR will run and manage the tracks and 'bring fares and ticketing into the 21st century' with 'tap in tap out' and digital ticketing.