Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced massive investment in transport networks across the North and the Midlands, hitting out at years of ‘uneven distribution’ across the UK
Rachel Reeves has delivered a huge boost to transport infrastructure in the North and Midlands – saying huge chunks of the UK have been neglected for too long.
The Chancellor unveiled a £15.6billion package, with bus, rail and road projects set to benefit millions of commuters outside of London. In a speech in Rotherham, Greater Manchester, she said her spending plans are “targeted squarely on the renewal of Britain”.
Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, hailed £2.5billion of investment, saying it would usher in a “new era” for the region. There was £2.4billion for the West Midlands, £2.1billion for West Yorkshire and £1.6billion for the Liverpool city region.
Ms Reeves said: “For every success story – and yes there are many – there’s potential that has been held back by uneven distribution.” During her speech she confirmed winter fuel payments will be expanded by the end of the year, but conceded that some Whitehall departments will be “disappointed” by her spending review – which will be unveiled next Wednesday.
Keir Starmer told the Commons: “Today we’re investing £15.6 billion in transport infrastructure of the North and of the Midlands. We’re decisively turning the page on a failed economic model of low investment, and we’re backing the talent and prospects of the whole country, and over coming weeks we’ll set out plans for further investment and renewal.”
Here we look at the key things that were announced this morning.
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West Midlands – £2.4 billion
Metro extension connecting Birmingham City Centre to new sports quarter. This is the first phase of new mass transit from East Birmingham to North Solihull. The Government says this will unlock £3billion investment from private investors
West Yorkshire – £2.1 billion
Work to start building West Yorkshire Mass Transit by 2028 – aiming for first services by the mid-2030s. The money will also be used for transforming six transport corridors in West Yorkshire not covered by the mass transit routes.
This will include new bus stations at Bradford and Wakefield.
Major infrastructure projects to create new homes, jobs and transport links – including growing and transforming the Metrolink tram network.
It will include new tram stops in Bury, Manchester and Oldham and a Metrolink extension to Stockport. A fully electric Bee Network, with zero emission public transport network across bikes, bus and tram will be delivered by 2030. This will include the purchase of 1,000 new electric buses.
There will also be £530million to renew the tram network – providing a fleet of new, replacement vehicles, modernising tram stops, as well maintenance to improve reliability.
South Yorkshire – £1.5 billion
The announcement includes £350million to reform South Yorkshire’s buses, with franchised buses operating in Sheffield, Doncaster and Rotherham by 2027. This will be expanded to the whole of South Yorkshire by 2029.
Liverpool City Region – £1.6 billion
The Government has pledged £100million for three new bus rapid transit routes, to the Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Everton stadium and Anfield. There will be a new fleet of buses for the city region’s franchised bus network – beginning with St Helens and the Wirral in 2026 and then Sefton, Knowsley, North and South Liverpool in 2027.
North East – £1.8 billion
There will be a Metro extension linking Newcastle and Sunderland via Washington. The Treasury says this will serve one of the largest advanced manufacturing zones in the UK.
West of England – £0.8 billion
The announcement commits £150million to improve rail infrastructure across the region, including funding to support more frequent services between Brabazon and the city centre. There will also be £200million for Mass transit development between Bristol, Bath, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset.
Tees Valley- £1.0 billion
Cash committed includes £60million for the Platform 3 extension at Middlesborough station. Transport chiefs believe this will unblock the local network.
East Midlands – £2.0 billion
The Government will be designing a new mass transit system to connect Derby and Nottingham, encompassing road, rail and bus improvements across the Trent Arc corridor.