£1.7bn fund for Transforming Cities

The Government launched a £1.7 billion Transforming Cities fund on November 20, aimed at improving transport links and promoting local growth within city regions.

Prime Minister Theresa May made the announcement in the West Midlands, where she confirmed £250 million to fund the long-planned Midland Metro extension from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill.

The strategy will fund new local transport links to make it easier to travel between city centres and suburbs, and provide better integration of transport in a bid to reduce congestion and reduce journey times.

Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling said: “The Transforming Cities Fund will drive productivity and growth in cities where this is most needed, connecting communities and making it quicker and easier for people to get around.

“We have already seen the impact of better integrated transport links for both passengers and the local economy in cities like Nottingham and Manchester. This new fund will enable more English cities to reap these benefits, helping to deliver the opportunities and ambition of the Industrial Strategy across the country, as well as driving forward the Northern Powerhouse and Midlands Engine.”

Following the announcement, the Railway Industry Association called on the Government to use the fund to invest in rail services. It called for £500m to be brought forward from the next Control Period to ensure continuity for rail suppliers.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority Chairman Susan Hinchcliffe said: “Working in partnership with our district councils, transport operators and others, we are already delivering major improvements on road, bus and rail, as well as investing in schemes which encourage more people to walk and cycle to work.

“We expect to be in a prime position to benefit from this fund. We will be writing to the Chancellor and Secretary of State for Transport to set out our ambitions.”