Government push to get mass transit systems moving with devolved powers and investment

The government announced the devolution of mass transit powers and a slew of major investments as Mayors from across England met with the Prime Minister yesterday. 

Prime Minister Keir Starmer committed to devolving Transport and Works Act Order approvals as part of the Right to Request process so that all Mayors can approve their own mass transit systems going forward.

The announcement was accompanied by a £725bn long-term infrastructure investment package for projects including a new mass transit system for West Yorkshire, expansion of the Birmingham Metro and the reopening of the Cowley branch rail line between Oxford city centre and the new Science Park.

The government also announced a new Mass Transit Taskforce to speed up delivery and committed to fast-tracking at least 150 planning decisions this parliament.

“We have ambitious plans for our region and a Mass Transit network is a key part to unlocking our untapped potential which will boost growth and put more money in people’s pockets,” Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said. “With backing from the Government and more powers devolved to Mayors who know their areas best, we will transform West Yorkshire.”

The Prime Minister also committed to setting up a Stadium Regeneration Accelerator to work with sporting bodies, clubs and leagues to unlock development around sports facilities.

“We’ve already started work on the Eastside metro extension – the line that will connect the City Centre to the new Birmingham City stadium and unlock £3bn of investment, tens of thousands of jobs and thousands of new homes,” Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands said.

The Prime Minister also said he would challenge Enfield Council’s withdrawal from the New Town process for Crews Hill, London.

Enfield’s recently elected Conservative council leader Alessandro Georgiou withdrew from the proposal for a 21,000-home, 50% affordable scheme. The project was shortlisted by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government which selected 12 proposed New Towns across England for prioritisation. Critics of the project believe the Crews Hill greenbelt land should be protected.

The government said: "Where projects have stalled or been watered down, the government will back mayors to push them through – unlocking homes, infrastructure and jobs, particularly for younger generations.

“This includes challenging Enfield Council’s refusal to support a proposed New Town in an area with significant housing need, which is near to an under-used train station. The Prime Minister is clear that decisions on New Towns will be taken in the national interest alone, because it will be the next generation that suffers from inaction.”