New legal powers to give the North an unprecedented say on how money is spent on transport have been announced by Transport Minister Jesse Norman.
The legislation aims to transform Transport for the North (TfN) into the first ever statutory sub-national transport body – with legal powers and duties. TfN will be backed with up to £260m of Government funding – £150m for smart–ticketing, £60m for Northern Powerhouse Rail and £50m to run TfN.
The move to put TfN on a statutory footing means that its recommendations must be formally considered by the Government.
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.”
Northern Powerhouse Minister, Jake Berry, added: “We are investing a record £13bn in transport in the North – 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.”
Independent Chair of TfN, John Cridland, commented: “TfN gaining statutory status is an important step towards transforming the North of England and giving it the voice and powers it needs to move forward. To have the statutory instrument laid before Parliament is a tremendous achievement, having secured the support of 56 local authorities including all 19 of our constituent authorities.”
