Latest News and Events

  • EEH welcomes Autumn Statement emphasis on science and technology-led growth

    England's Economic Heartland Chair, Cllr Liz Leffman, reflected on the Autumn Statement delivered today in government.

    Cllr Leffman said: 'Today’s Autumn Statement places significant emphasis on science and technology-led economic growth, which our region has a pivotal role in delivering.

    Last month commitments were made by government around the delivery of Ely Junction and several major road network schemes across the region. Given their importance, it is crucial major infrastructure …

    November 22nd 2023
  • EEH supports world class 5G investment

    Businesses and residents near East West Rail are set to benefit from world class 5G technology following a successful funding bid to government which was supported by England’s Economic Heartland and the East West Main Line Partnership.

    A consortium led by Oxfordshire County Council, including Buckinghamshire, Central Bedfordshire, Peterborough and Cambridgeshire councils, won £3.8m from the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT) to establish a ‘5G Innovation Region’.

    The …

    November 16th 2023
  • Our response to National Infrastructure Assessment

    On Wednesday the National Infrastructure Commission published its ‘Second National Infrastructure Assessment’, providing government with advice on the UK's long-term infrastructure needs.

    England’s Economic Heartland welcomes its recommendation to give all county and unitary authorities devolved long-term transport budgets. This is something EEH’s Board has consistently asked for. It would give local authorities – who know their areas better than anyone else - the certainty to plan in a …

    October 19th 2023
  • Naomi reflects on a huge week for transport

    England's Economic Heartland's managing director, Naomi Green, reflects on what has been a huge week for transport across the country and what it means for our region:

    Infrastructure and connectivity plays a huge part in driving this country’s economic growth and prosperity.

    And the Prime Minister’s announcement about the future of HS2 between Birmingham and Manchester has far reaching consequences for many people and businesses across the Midlands and the …

    October 6th 2023
  • Cllr Liz Leffman elected EEH Chair

    Cllr Liz Leffman has been elected the new Chair of England’s Economic Heartland sub-national transport body.

    The Oxfordshire County Council leader, who was appointed by EEH’s Strategic Transport Leadership Board on 29 September, had served as interim-chair following the local elections in May.

    Cllr Leffman, a Liberal Democrat, has represented the rural Charlbury and the Wychwoods division in west Oxfordshire since 2017, becoming leader of Oxfordshire County Council in 2021. …

    October 6th 2023
  • England's Economic Heartland welcomes Ely Junction announcement

    We are delighted that Ely has today been included in the new transport schemes announced by government (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/find-out-about-every-new-transport-project-in-your-region), following the Prime Minister's conference speech.

    This has been a longstanding top priority for both England’s Economic Heartland and Transport East and the collective voice of our partnerships has been the reason why the Government has prioritised investment in Ely and Haughley rail junctions over so many other investment needs. …

    October 4th 2023
  • EEH joins calls not to scrap London travelcard

    England's Economic Heartland has leant its support to a campaign urging Sadiq Khan to reinstate London's Travelcard.

    More than 20 organisations including sub-national transport bodies, business groups, passenger groups and local authorities have written to the Mayor of London urging him not to scrap the Day Travelcard next year.

    Currently, people travelling into London can add a Travelcard onto their national rail ticket for use on the capital’s transport network, …

    September 28th 2023
  • EEH Conference line-up revealed

    With just over a month to go before our annual conference in Cambridge, we're revealing what promises to be our most engaging line-up of speakers and panellists to date.

    Delegates will hear from (and be able to put their questions to) political leaders and senior figures and experts from local authorities, DfT, transport bodies, businesses, consultancies and universities - across a programme which we hope strikes an exciting balance between …

    September 27th 2023
  • Swindon-Didcot-Oxford connectivity study published

    Potential interventions to improve the transport system between Swindon, Didcot and Oxford have been identified in England’s Economic Heartland’s third connectivity study, published today.

    Produced after extensive stakeholder engagement and compliant with DfT transport appraisal guidance, the study provides clarity on investment opportunities which EEH and its local authority partners can now seek to progress.

    The Swindon-Didcot-Oxford area is globally renowned for its strengths in science and technology, containing some …

    September 27th 2023
  • EEH holds Bus Symposium

    England's Economic Heartland held its Bus Symposium 2023 at Stockwood Discovery Centre in Luton on 15 September.

    The event, attended by EEH Board members, heard from a number of expert speakers from national and local government and bus operators about what can be done to increase patronage and ensure bus journeys make a vital contribution towards giving people an alternative to the car, connecting them to jobs and services and …

    September 19th 2023