News

Transport East welcomes clarity from the Government’s latest Spending Review and the focus on infrastructure to support economic growth. So far, it shows a mixed picture for transport in the East.

The role of the East in powering the nation was recognised with funding for nationally significant infrastructure in Sizewell C. The region also saw funding come forward prior to the Spending Review for some locally important road improvements along the A47 and A10 West Winch. However, we need a clear investment pipeline for the regionally important rail and road projects needed to enable the East to deliver against forecast growth.

As the Department for Transport now takes decisions on how to allocate its settlement, we will continue to work with partners to ensure Ministers understand how transport investment in East enables the Government’s growth ambitions.

We are pleased to see the confirmation of multi-year funding settlements for our Local Transport Authorities. This was a key ask of Government and one that will allow our authorities to plan and deliver transport improvements more effectively and provide better value.

We also welcome the news that the £3 bus fare cap will remain in place until March 2027. This was a core recommendation from our Rural Connections report as it makes a real difference to our more rural communities and people on lower incomes.

Confirmation of the high-level funding for roads, active travel and EV charging infrastructure is helpful, but further detail is needed to determine the impact on the East.

However, our partners remain disappointed that funding for Ely and Haughley rail capacity upgrades was not referenced today. These are schemes are of national benefit, addressing major rail bottlenecks between the region’s ports and growth centres in the Midlands and the North. They also offer great value for money and enjoy cross-sector, cross-party and cross-region support. We are confident that Government understands the benefits of these essential schemes and will continue to make the case.

Will Quince, Chair of Transport East, said:

“This Comprehensive Spending Review was an opportunity to back the East with the transport investment it needs to fulfil its potential and support the Government’s growth ambitions. Whether it’s powering the UK through clean energy, moving goods through world-class ports, or connecting people with opportunity – our region is pivotal to enable a thriving future for the country.

While high-level funding allocations for transport were confirmed, including much needed multi-year funding for our local authorities, we are yet to see the clear pipeline of regionally important rail and road projects needed to enable the East’s growth. As decisions on transport investment move to the Department for Transport we will continue to make sure the East’s priority projects and the benefits are clearly understood.”