23.11.16
Government promises £5m for Midlands Rail Hub evaluation study
A new £5m development funding boost for the Midlands Rail Hub was announced by chancellor Philip Hammond in the Autumn Statement today.
In his speech before the House of Commons, Hammond said: “This government recognises that for too long, economic growth in our country has been too concentrated in London and the south east. That’s not just a social problem, it’s an economic problem.”
To address this, he promised increased investment in the North and Midlands, including a forthcoming Midlands Engine Strategy.
“Our Midlands Engine strategy will follow shortly,” said Hammond, “but I am today providing funding for the evaluation study for the Midlands Rail hub.”
The announcement follows a report in July from Midlands Connect, a group of 28 local authorities and 11 Local Enterprise Partnerships, which called for government funding to deliver the Midlands Rail Hub.
Midlands Connect argued that the Hub, which is intended to provide up to 10 additional trains an hour in and around central Birmingham, is the only way to reduce overcrowding on the region’s railway services.
Sir John Peace, chair of Midlands Connect and Midlands Engine, said he "greatly welcomed" the news.
"Our funding will be vital, not only in helping to lay the groundwork for improved connectivity and greater levels of investment in our transport network, but also as a sign of the confidence the government has in our region to shape our own prosperous economic future," he said.
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