England's Economic Heartland used the recent Spending Review call for evidence to ensure key messages about our Board’s priorities for investment were submitted directly to Treasury.
Building on recent Board discussions, EEH’s submission set out the huge economic potential of the region that can only be achieved if our infrastructure and connectivity priorities are realised, including delivering of East West Rail (in full), Ely Junction and investing in improved bus services.
With its concentrations of knowledge-intensive clusters, our region is key in delivering Government’s economic growth mission. Of the seven STB regions which cover the entirety of England outside of London, EEH’s £170bn-plus economy is the fastest growing; has created more jobs over the last 20 years; has the highest exporting intensity; and highest levels of direct foreign investment.
However, slow productivity growth means EEH is now 3% less productive (per job) than the rest of England (20 years ago, it was more productive). Carbon emissions from transport are also higher than the national average. Without investment in infrastructure, the submission made clear that there is a risk that further growth will be constrained and the region’s economic potential for the UK unrealised, while also failing to meet net zero obligations.
EEH’s submission included the following immediate priorities for the one-year Spending Review:
East West Rail: That there is a commitment to deliver the next stages of East West Rail from Milton Keyes and Bletchley through to Bedford and Cambridge, with funding released to plan the scheme’s long-term legacy, including ensuring there is appropriate door-to-door connectivity to stations. A study should be funded examining the opportunity to utilise East West Rail as part of a wider Northampton-Old Oak Common strategic economic corridor.
Ely Junction: Funding is released so that detailed planning for its delivery can commence.
Bus and MRT: Funding is provided to authorities to support improvements to bus services in those areas. A dedicated funding stream is also made available to authorities developing mass rapid transit proposals, such as those in Milton Keynes and Hertfordshire.
Roads: Money is allocated to National Highways to identify next steps for the interventions identified within its Oxford to Cambridge Roads study.
Funding: Long term funding for local transport should be available for everywhere in the country, enabling all authorities to better plan and deliver transport improvements while removing the risk of inconsistencies in transport provision.