Chancellor Rachel Reeves will unveil a major transport investment boost today, allocating £15bn for infrastructure projects across England. The funding targets tram, train, and bus improvements in key regions, including the Midlands, the North, and the West Country. This move precedes next week’s spending review, which will finalize departmental budgets.
Moreover, the major transport investment boost focuses heavily on tram networks. Greater Manchester will receive £2.5bn to extend services to Stockport and add stops in Bury and Oldham. Meanwhile, the West Midlands gets £2.4bn to expand routes from Birmingham to the new sports quarter. West Yorkshire secures £2.1bn to launch its Mass Transit system by 2028, alongside new bus stations in Bradford and Wakefield.
Additionally, six metro mayoral regions will benefit from the major transport investment boost. South Yorkshire gains £1.5bn to modernize trams and buses by 2027. Liverpool City Region gets £1.6bn for faster airport links and new buses. The North East receives £1.8bn to extend the Newcastle-Sunderland tram via Washington.
The West of England will spend £800m on rail upgrades and Bristol transit links. Tees Valley gets £1bn, including £60m for Middlesbrough station. These major investment projects aim to transport the region into a new era, with the East Midlands securing £2bn for better road, rail, and bus connections between Derby and Nottingham.
Reeves’ plan breaks from strict Treasury Green Book rules, which critics say favor London. She argues past policies created uneven growth. Labour MP Jeevun Sandher previously called the system biased. Reeves will emphasize that outdated rules left many regions behind.
Former Chancellor Rishi Sunak also reviewed Green Book rules. His Network North plan included similar projects but faced funding doubts. Labour claims their plan ensures full financing. A Treasury spokesperson confirmed the investment boost will double spending by 2029-30.
Transport secretary Heidi Alexander hailed the announcement as transformative. She said it will improve job access and regional economies. However, Lib Dem treasury spokeswoman Daisy Cooper warned against broken promises. She urged lower fares to help struggling families.
For more political updates, visit London Pulse News.
