England's Economic Heartland ensures that the position and priorities of the region are understood by responding to relevant consultations and calls for evidence. In this section you can explore our responses to the key issues that shape our region.
Outlines key transport investment priorities for the EEH region to support economic growth and environmental outcomes. It emphasises maximising the benefits of East West Rail through improved connectivity to stations and wider rail networks , upgrading Ely Junction to boost rail freight and reduce road congestion , and securing stable funding for bus services and mass rapid transit schemes. The submission also calls for targeted investment in strategically important roads and long-term funding certainty for local transport authorities
EEH's response to the emerging Industrial Strategy, which discusses sector strengths, productivity, connectivity, and the importance of research and development, aiming to inform strategic policy decisions.
EEH response to GBR rail reform consultation, calling for STB recognition, integrated transport planning, and improved accessibility.
Joint STB response to the Future of Transport regulatory review on zero emission vehicles, focusing on EV infrastructure planning, funding, and inclusive access.
Sets out EEH priorities for the 2021 Spending Review
England’s Economic Heartland’s response to the June 2021 East West Rail consultation strongly supports the project as a transformational infrastructure priority, calling for electrification, digital enablement, integration with local connectivity and freight, and a user-focused, accessible design that maximises environmental and economic benefits across the Oxford–Cambridge corridor and beyond.
England’s Economic Heartland’s response to the Government’s call for evidence on rural transport, highlighting the need for improved digital connectivity, inclusive transport solutions, and innovative approaches to rural mobility. It emphasizes the importance of tailored strategies, investment in infrastructure, and the role of Sub-national Transport Bodies in shaping future rural transport policy.
England’s Economic Heartland supports the timely delivery of Cambridge South Station and its associated infrastructure enhancements, emphasising the need for integration with East West Rail, high-quality local connectivity, and user-focused design to maximise economic and environmental benefits.
England’s Economic Heartland supports the Cambridge Eastern Access proposals as a flexible, sustainable infrastructure strategy aligned with regional transport priorities, and encourages collaboration with the East West Rail Consortium to maximise long-term rail connectivity east of Cambridge.
England’s Economic Heartland’s response to the “Decarbonising Transport – Setting the Challenge” consultation supports urgent, coordinated action across governance, innovation, modal shift, and infrastructure to achieve net-zero transport emissions by 2050, highlighting the region’s strategic role, and the importance of place-based, digitally enabled solutions.
This letter, from three Sub-national Transport Bodies, advocates for enhancing the Felixstowe to Nuneaton rail corridor, crucial for UK international trade and freight movement. It highlights the need for capacity improvements at key pinch-points like Ely, Haughley, and Leicester, which would not only increase freight capacity but also unlock passenger services and support decarbonisation efforts by shifting goods from road to rail. The proposed upgrades aim to foster economic recovery and growth by improving connectivity across the Midlands, the North, and East Anglia, and avoiding transit through London
England’s Economic Heartland’s response to the Future of Transport Regulatory Review, focusing on enabling innovation, improving regulation for emerging transport modes, and supporting inclusive, sustainable mobility across the region.
England’s Economic Heartland expresses strong support for Buckinghamshire Council’s proposed Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) pilot in Aylesbury Garden Town, viewing it as an innovative, sustainable solution aligned with regional growth and decarbonisation goals.
England’s Economic Heartland strongly supports the Aylesbury Garden Town Masterplan as a model for sustainable, inclusive growth and integrated transport planning, highlighting its alignment with regional priorities and offering collaboration to help deliver innovative, place-based infrastructure and connectivity solutions.
England’s Economic Heartland urges East Midlands Railway to revise its December 2020 timetable proposals to maintain direct inter-regional services and improve connectivity for key hubs like Bedford, Luton, and Wellingborough, warning that the current plans risk undermining regional growth, sustainable travel, and public confidence in rail.
England’s Economic Heartland supports the A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvement scheme as a regionally significant project aligned with its strategic transport priorities, while urging Highways England to ensure environmental net gain, freight infrastructure, local connectivity, and future-proofing are integral to its design and delivery.
England's Economic Heartland's response to the Great Western rail franchise consultation, focusing on growth, integration, accessibility, and strategic planning.
England’s Economic Heartland strongly objects to the proposed East Midlands Rail Franchise plans, citing concerns over reduced connectivity for key growth areas like Bedford, Luton, and Wellingborough, and calls for a revised, more detailed consultation that supports regional growth, improved inter-regional services, and integration with East West Rail and Luton Airport.
England’s Economic Heartland supports the Government’s Aviation Strategy and highlights the strategic importance of improving rail and non-car access to Luton and Heathrow Airports to unlock economic growth, enhance connectivity, and ensure sustainable development across the region.
England’s Economic Heartland’s formal response to the Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) consultation on the East West Rail Western Section. It outlines strong support for the project, emphasising its strategic importance for regional connectivity, economic growth, and alignment with national infrastructure priorities.