Where's the money for decent transport?

GOVERNMENT UNDER FIRE FOR IGNORING SOUTH WEST

- By CLAIRE ELLIOTT

THE Government has faced disapproval for excluding Plymouth and Devon from its latest transport investment announcement.

No provision was made for the far South West when Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves declared a £15bn funding package for transport projects in selected English regions.

The West close to Bristol and Greater Manchester, the Midlands, and Yorkshire, were acknowledged, but local business heads and dissenting MPs have voiced concerns that the South West was ignored.

Members of the Plymouth Liberal Democrats expressed dismay at the omission of Plymouth and Devon from the funding plans.

However, Labour MP Luke Pollard for the city reassured constituents that transportation funding in the region is still on the cards for the future. This development is expected with the establishment of a new strategic regional authority and an elected mayor for both Plymouth and Devon.

Mr Pollard explained that a strategic elected-mayor covering all of Devon would bring in new powers and funds. He pointed out that a regional authority, unlike one limited to Plymouth alone, would be able to secure notable transport finance. He said: “There are so many conversations about funding projects for the South West.”