Member Article

Confirmed TfN powers prove commitment to Northern Powerhouse, says Gov

The government has today (16 November 2017) announced the passing of new legal powers to give the North an unprecedented say on how money is spent on transport.

Backed with up to £260m of government funding, Transport for the North - the first ever statutory sub-national transport body - will have powers to give the North a far-greater say on the evolution of the North’s transport infrastructure.

According to the government, the announcement shows a clear sign of its commitment to the much-debated Northern Powerhouse.

Strategic direction

As part of the government’s devolution agenda the North has been given autonomy to run transport through bodies like Transport for Greater Manchester (TFGM) / Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive (Nexus) in large urban areas.

The government says this will build on work already done by Local authorities, mayors and combined authorities, which have responsibility for running transport in rural areas, town and cities.

The government is now giving TfN powers to set the strategic direction for transport in the North through their statutory transport strategy.

In addition TfN, should its members agree, is able to request additional powers for consideration by the Transport Secretary.

The move means that from April, TfN will get new powers to:

• produce a statutory transport strategy for the North which the government must formally consider when taking funding decisions
• fund organisations to deliver transport projects, for example, this could include transport operators delivering smart ticketing in the North
• work with local authorities to fund, promote and deliver road schemes - and be consulted on rail franchises in the North
• take forward smart ticketing to bring in faster, easier rail travel

Reaction

Transport Minister Jesse Norman said: “We are committed to the Northern Powerhouse, and to giving the great towns and cities of the North more say over transport investment through their umbrella body TfN.

“This government is investing the most cash for a generation in transport projects for the North. These new powers will give TfN far greater influence over national infrastructure decisions, as well the certainty they need to plan and drive forward projects such as Northern Powerhouse Rail and smart ticketing.”

Northern Powerhouse Minister Jake Berry added: “We are investing a record £13 billion in transport in the North of England - more than any government in history.

“As part of this, TfN will be a game-changer, with powers to speak with one voice on northern transport projects and drive forward ambitious plans to improve transport connections and unlock economic growth across the Northern Powerhouse.”

Jonathan Walker, head of policy and campaigns, North East England Chamber of Commerce said: “This is good news and something which we have been calling for. It should help Northern regions make a stronger case for much needed transport investment.

“For Transport for the North (TfN) to be a success it is essential that the Government listens to, and acts on, the organisation’s recommendations. TfN also needs to ensure it works with partners across all regions of the North to deliver balanced economic growth.”

Chris Richards, Head of Business Environment at EEF, said: “This is a major milestone in more effectively managing the transport networks on which manufacturers rely. For too long transport investment has been done on a tactical rather than strategic basis and due to the fragmented local government structure in England this has led to underinvestment in key arteries at the regional level.

“Sub-national transport bodies like Transport for Greater Manchester will provide that strategic look at how their disparate local economies can be stitched together to develop more robust regional powerhouses. The government should press ahead and ensure that all areas of England have a sub-national transport body to deliver on strategic regional infrastructure in a timely and more effective manner.”

Have your say

Will today’s announcement prove as good as the government alleges? Is there still more to be done to support a fairer deal for the North? Is this a sign of the Northern Powerhouse being something more than an abstract concept?

Share your thoughts in the comments section below.