Transport for the North should be given the same powers to invest in infrastructure as Transport for London according to a report by the think tank IPPR North, which has highlighted a huge disparity in funding between the two regions.

 

It says that London will spend £1943 per head on transport this financial year, compared with £427 in the north.

 

“The spending gap between London and the north remains huge but this is about more than money,” says report author Grace Blakeley. “The north needs to take back control over transport spending too, to sensibly invest in a range of northern infrastructure projects and unlock more potential.”

 

The group adds that new Northern Infrastructure Bonds could raise vital funds from long term investors, with pension funds helping to pay for schemes such as a High Speed 3 rail link across the Pennines.

 

It also calls on the Chancellor to announce new funding for northern infrastructure in next month’s Budget with a view to leveraging support from the private sector.

 

IPPR North director Ed Cox says: “With the Government pre-occupied with Brexit, giving more power to regions to take control over infrastructure is key to creating a country that works for everyone. We are not asking for simple handouts, we’re asking for powers to finance this ourselves as London currently does.

 

“There is a long, long way to go to rebalance the UK but these figures suggest we’re seeing the green shoots of the Northern Powerhouse idea being more than mere bluster.

 

“We must however make more progress if we want to see spades in the ground anytime soon.”

 

A Transport for the North spokesman said: “We welcome IPPR North’s report, highlighting the importance of transport infrastructure investment to economic growth in the north. The 19 constituent authorities of the region have submitted a proposal to the Transport Secretary for TfN to become England’s first Sub-national Transport Body. This proposal outlines the powers which will be required by the new statutory body to ensure it can deliver the infrastructure improvements needed to connect the north, driving transformational economic growth. We expect the Secretary of State to respond to this proposal soon.”

 

Meanwhile TfN has this week revealed details of how it will create a Strategic Transport Plan to boost economic growth in the north. Over the last year TfN has been commissioning research to inform its plan, the backbone of which will be two upcoming reports setting out proposals for major road and rail improvements.

 

These reports will be published in late spring ahead of the initial draft Strategic Transport Plan for the North which is expected to go out for public engagement in the autumn.

 

(Photo: Transport for the North)