EEH submits Spending Review 2025 priorities to Treasury
Key transport improvements needed to support Government’s priority ‘Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor’ have been set out in England’s Economic Heartland’s submission to the Spending Review call for evidence.
Enhanced connectivity is a key enabler for the region realising its economic growth potential. A core theme of our submission is to build upon and maximise the value of existing investment in the region to unlock an integrated, better connected transport system …
EEH Responds to East West Rail Consultation
EEH and the East West Main Line Partnership have both submitted responses to the East West Rail consultation, which closed on Friday.
The response to the East West Railway Company from EEH seeks to maximise the value of Government's investment in the scheme and include:
Decarbonisation: Welcoming the the proposal for operate East West Rail under electric traction, though more detail needs to be given on the preferred ‘discontinuous’ electrification …
'Important moment for region' as Chancellor announces plans for Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor
In a speech in Oxfordshire today, Chancellor Rachel Reeves outlined new plans to deliver the 'Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor' that will boost the UK economy by up to £78 billion by 2035, according to industry experts.
Her speech confirmed the appointment of Lord Patrick Vallance as Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor Champion.
In response, Chair of England’s Economic Heartland, Cllr Liz Leffman, said: “The Chancellor rightly highlights the huge potential of our region …
Luton-Bedfordshire-Corby Connectivity Study and Connecting Economies brochure published
England's Economic Heartland's final connectivity study and its corresponding Connecting Economies brochure on the on the Luton-Bedfordshire-Corby corridor has been published.
Through our connectivity studies, EEH has developed an evidence base that shows the most effective connectivity solutions for key corridors across the region. The evidence captured is being used to shape investment proposals going forward, through EEH or in support of individual local authorities’ priorities.
The studies were guided …
Booklet highlights benefits of East West Rail...and it isn't just about physical connectivity...
East West Rail will transform the economic geography of the region. It is vital the scheme leaves the best possible legacy, not just for the UK economy, but for the communities and businesses throughout the region. This work, including around door-to-door connectivity and the scheme's legacy in terms of areas such as tourism, will be a major part of EEH's work in 2025.
EEH's Strategic Transport Leadership Board, which met …
Work on buses will accelerate in 2025 as EEH publishes expert advice produced during 2024
EEH's will further expand its work on improving bus journeys in the region during 2025, following publication of a series of documents produced as part of our work in 2024.
Following our Bus Symposium in October, EEH's Strategic Transport Leadership Board has agreed the 2025 work programme which includes:
> A deep dive into 'total transport' working with West Northamptonshire Council and Cambridgeshire County Council
> Building a compelling case …
Importance of Ely Junction upgrades highlighted to new Secretary of State
MPs on the East of England All-Party Parliamentary Group have written to the new Secretary of State for Transport urging the improvements to Ely Junction go ahead as part of the forthcoming Spending Year.
The letter to Heidi Alexander was also signed by EEH Chair, Cllr Liz Leffman, and Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Dr Nik Johnson. It included the revised Keeping Trade on Track document, produced by EEH and …
Looking ahead to a pivotal 2025 for the region
What an eventful year 2024 has been, with a General Election, a new government and a flurry of policy announcements which will result in significant change in our region and beyond.
One of the most important moments for the Heartland came when the Chancellor committed to delivering an electrified East West Rail to Bedford and Cambridge. It was the result of tireless campaigning by political and businesses leaders based in …
A brilliant two days in Bedford
England's Economic Heartland was delighted to host this year's Local Transport Summit, which took place in Bedford earlier this month.
Delegates enjoyed a walking tour of Bedford, before presentations from partners including Oxfordshire, Bedford, Buckinghamshire and Luton, roundtables on the importance of integration, and an address by Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood. On the second day, buses and professional best practice were on the agenda.
Managing Director Naomi Green said: …
EEH Chair welcomes new transport secretary to role
Cllr Liz Leffman, Chair of England's Economic Heartland said:
On behalf of England's Economic Heartland I’d like to congratulate Heidi Alexander on becoming Secretary of State for Transport. With her constituency in Swindon, it is exciting to have a transport secretary who is based in the England's Economic Heartland region, and I know my team have recently met with her to discuss what EEH is doing in and around the …
