Latest News and Events

  • Meeting with minister over electric vehicle charge points

    Leaders from England’s Economic Heartland met with Minister of State for Decarbonisation and Technology, Rt Hon Jesse Norman MP, earlier this month to discuss how the region is planning the rollout of electric vehicle charge points.

    Charging infrastructure will be needed to support the exponential growth in electric vehicles over the next decade. For example, the government expects the number of public charge points to increase tenfold by 2030 – …

    January 20th 2023
  • EEH continues major programme of work to maximise bus opportunities in region

    A long-term plan for bus travel in the region is a key priority for England’s Economic Heartland during 2023, with a raft of work which will be delivered during the year ahead.

    Already underway is a major programme of presentations, toolkits, one-to-one sessions and advice notes to support local authorities to plan, deliver and promote an effective bus network. A collaboration between EEH, Transport East and Transport for the South …

    January 19th 2023
  • Connectivity studies identify interventions for boosting economy and cutting emissions

    Potential interventions to improve the transport system across the Oxford-Milton Keynes and Peterborough-Northampton-Oxford corridors have been identified in England’s Economic Heartland’s first two connectivity studies, published today.

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

    Based on the policies and principles of EEH’s transport …

    December 14th 2022
  • EEH conference 2022 round-up

    EEH held its annual conference on 16 November 2022 - and with more than 200 delegates, it was our biggest event yet.

    Our website now has a comprehensive round-up of the day, including photos, slideshows and video.

    Check out whether you've been pictured by our photographer by logging on to the EEH Conference 2022 webpage.

    November 23rd 2022
  • EEH welcomes Autumn Statement commitment to East West Rail

    The Autumn Statement of 17 November "recommits to the government’s transformative growth plans for our railways. These include East West Rail, core Northern Powerhouse Rail, and High Speed 2 to Manchester. These will provide fast, more reliable services and connect people to new job opportunities."

    Chair of England's Economic Heartland, Cllr Richard Wenham, said: “EEH welcomes the Chancellor’s commitment to East West Rail as the right thing to do for …

    November 17th 2022
  • Plan for improved Oxford to Cambridge cycleway moves a step closer with new report

    Plans for an improved Varsity Way cycle route boosting tourism and active travel between Oxford and Cambridge have moved a step closer thanks to work commissioned by England’s Economic Heartland (EEH).

    Analysis by active travel charity Sustrans shows there are opportunities to improve nearly half of the existing routes 51 and 66 to address issues such as narrow shared paths, safety, poor signage and deteriorating …

    November 15th 2022
  • Reaction to September 2022 'Mini-Budget'

    Chair of England's Economic Heartland, Cllr Richard Wenham, said: “EEH welcomes the government’s commitment to prioritise and accelerate a number of transport infrastructure projects in the region, which will unlock new economic opportunities for our residents and businesses. This includes road schemes in Oxfordshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Northamptonshire, alongside Cambridge South Station and East West Rail.

    “EEH has consistently made the case that East West Rail – delivered in full …

    September 23rd 2022
  • Chair's View: Investment in our region can deliver new government’s economic objectives

    England’s Economic Heartland provides the opportunity for this government to deliver economic growth with innovation at its core.

    The region’s networks of universities and businesses operate on a global scale. They play a leading role in high technology sectors including life sciences, future mobility, robotics, energy, digital, space and aerospace.

    The region has the potential to perform an even greater role for the country. Speaking recently on the Today programme, …

    September 21st 2022
  • Government investment in A428 and Oxford Station ‘part of the jigsaw’ in unlocking economic growth for UK

    Government announcements on the A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet scheme and Oxford Station have been welcomed by the Chair of England’s Economic Heartland – as he reiterated the key role the region has in boosting the wider UK economy.

    On Thursday, the Secretary of State for Transport granted development consent for National Highways to begin work on the A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet scheme, which will tackle a …

    August 23rd 2022
  • Business plan marks significant point in EEH’s history

    England’s Economic Heartland is moving into the next phase in its history after publishing its business plan for the next three years.

    The plan set outs how EEH will evolve its focus and capability to become a unit that not only sets the strategy and identifies investment priorities for the region. From 2022/23, EEH will also play a proactive role in progressing the case for individual schemes, while supporting local …

    June 23rd 2022