Mayor of Greater Manchester says North/South transport funding gap "embarrasses" Government

THE MAYOR of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, says a new report showing the growing disparity in public transport investment between the North and South of England makes "embarrassing reading for the government."

IPPR North has published a new independent analysis of regional transport spending in England - it highlights that while planned spending in London amounts to £3,636 per person, the North will receive just £1,247 per person and within the North, Yorkshire and the Humber will see just £511; the North East £519; and the North West £2,062 per person.

The Mayor adds: “It is time to be clear about what a Northern Powerhouse actually means. It means Whitehall putting the North of England at the front of the queue for transport investment for the next 30 years - in the same way London has been for the last 30 years - and re-prioritising transport spending in this country."

Full statement:

The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “This report should make embarrassing reading for the government. In the five years since they first promised us a Northern Powerhouse, the transport spending gap between North and South has widened and is set to get even wider over the next decade.

“So far, Government promises to the North have proved to be about as reliable as our trains. To be fair, the new Prime Minister has recognised our frustration and made new commitments. It is essential that he now backs up his words with action. As Mayor of London, he successfully argued for new funding and powers over transport for the Capital. As Prime Minister, he must now deliver exactly the same for the North of England.

“As important as they are, big schemes like HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail won’t make a difference for people here any time soon. It is why Greater Manchester has developed a plan for a London-style transport system and we now need revenue and capital support to deliver it.

“It is time to be clear about what a Northern Powerhouse actually means. It means Whitehall putting the North of England at the front of the queue for transport investment for the next 30 years - in the same way London has been for the last 30 years - and re-prioritising transport spending in this country.

"Anything less will leave the government’s Northern Powerhouse claims as nothing more than a giant political con.”

Our Network is Greater Manchester's new ten-year plan to create an integrated, modern and accessible public transport system, a blueprint for a world-class public transport system for the people of Greater Manchester.

Article Published: 19/08/2019 11:50 AM