Support from external funders has enabled Network Rail to maximise the benefits to passengers. As well as supporting delivery of the Milton Keynes station capacity scheme, the WCRM Programme has also been designated a European Priority Project in the European Commission’s Multi-annual Indicative Programme (MIP). Funding of c£50m over 7 years was granted to improve capacity (including freight), remove bottlenecks, regenerate deprived areas on the West Coast Main Line and increase line speeds and interoperability with Europe.