Chancellor Rishi Sunak has been urged to “unleash the North from the straitjacket of poor infrastructure” ahead of his 2020 budget.
Speaking at the Westminster Energy, Environment and Transport Forum Policy Conference, Transport for the North’s Tim Wood said the investment in the transformational transport interventions would release the region’s potential and “change the face of the country”.
As Northern Powerhouse Rail Director, Tim outlined the importance of projects, saying: “They will go some way to correcting decades of under-investment and help rebalance the UK economy.
“Over the years we have missed the opportunities to take advantage of the potential of the North of England and its regions.”
Tim also welcomed the Government’s commitment to “levelling-up” the country and investing in the North’s infrastructure.
He called the outcome of the Oakervee Review a “monumental step forward” for both HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail, but added Transport for the North will continue to make the case for the full £39 billion to fund the NPR network.
Tim said it’s crucial “the voice of the North is heard loud and clear”.
“It is critical Transport for the North retains a strong voice and central role in how this work is brought forward and managed through,” he said.
“This is how we will rebalance the UK economy and get the second engine going for the good of the country.
“The sooner we start delivering these improvements, the sooner passengers will get the modern services they deserve.”
Tim Wood – Northern Powerhouse Rail Director