Optimizing English Transport Devolution for Future Growth
Hello, Champions of Net Zero!
English transport devolution is making significant strides in major cities, bringing about tangible changes such as improved connectivity and increased housebuilding. However, there is a call to action to push for even greater progress to unlock additional economic growth.
A recent report by the Urban Transport Group (UTG), the UK’s network of transport authorities, highlights the history and success of English transport devolution up to the present day. The report also offers recommendations on how to fully harness the benefits it offers for future growth.
The report showcases transport case studies from UTG’s member city regions, demonstrating the positive impact of devolution. Examples include the introduction of new, yellow franchised Bee Network buses in Greater Manchester, the publicly owned and operated Supertram network in South Yorkshire, and London’s Elizabeth line, which is the fastest growing railway in the UK.
Devolution has already seen around £30 billion of public spending devolved to metro mayors through more flexible and long-term funding arrangements. Most mature Mayoral Combined Authorities are set to receive a fully integrated multiyear funding settlement, with Greater Manchester and the West Midlands leading the way in 2025/26.
Despite these advancements, the National Infrastructure Commission has identified a lack of effective transport infrastructure as a barrier to the productivity of city regions.
To fully utilise the benefits of devolution, the report titled ‘The pathway to a brighter transport future: Delivering growth through transport devolution’ recommends that the Government:
- Work with city regions to establish a sustainable long-term funding solution for all tiers of local government
- Support further devolution by providing city regions with greater local investment levers, such as land value capture mechanisms and infrastructure investment funds
- Provide funding certainty to Transport for London to ensure proper maintenance and renewal of transport assets and fulfil existing contracts for network upgrades
- Deliver on devolution commitments related to regulating micromobility, rail reform, and highways powers in the upcoming English Devolution Bill
Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group, emphasised the positive impact of transport devolution on major city regions, stating, “Transport devolution is changing England’s major city regions for the better – improving our public transport networks, boosting growth and setting ambitious plans for more homes.”
Prince also highlighted the need for further progress, stating, “However, the devolution journey is far from complete. To fully deliver the government’s Plan for Change and realise the benefits of economic growth, transport devolution must go further and faster. Building on the Government’s White Paper, greater priority should be given to working with devolved areas to deliver sustainable investment solutions while expanding powers in critical policy areas such as micromobility and rail integration.”
Image credit: iStock
