Towns and Cities to Benefit From £4.7bn HS2 Rail Line Funds
The UK government has outlined fresh plans to redirect billions in funding from the scrapped sections of the controversial HS2 rail line project towards improving regional transport links.
Over £4.7 billion originally earmarked for the northern legs of HS2 rail line between the West Midlands and Leeds will now be allocated to local councils across the Midlands and northern England. The funding is aimed at delivering a wide range of transport projects to better connect towns and cities outside of major urban centres.
Spreading The Benefits of HS2
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said confirming the seven-year £4.7 billion spending period would be “game-changing” for smaller communities. The cash could support everything from new bus and rail stations to road upgrades and electric vehicle charging infrastructure according to government guidelines. This aims to spread the benefits of HS2 rail line funding more widely across the regions.
While the move has been welcomed by regional leaders, critics argue it merely “recycles” money already promised for cancelled sections of HS2 rail line. With spending not starting until 2025, many fear the true impact may only be felt after the next general election. However, supporters hope it can help level up transport across the Midlands and north of England in the long-term.
