I've been in touch with the Department for Transport about this. I've asked them repeatedly (as a point of information) to deny that they've cut TfN's core budget by 40%. They've not done so.
https://twitter.com/RobParsonsYP/status/1364570833331621892
They did say: "This Government is absolutely committed to delivering the upgrades to level-up the North, building on more than £29 billion invested in transport across the north since 2010..."
“In 2021/22 TfN have access to over £70m of funding, the majority of which will help develop proposals for Northern Powerhouse Rail. There is also a significant proportion of money remaining in their reserves, enabling them to carry out all their statutory functions effectively.”
I then put it to them that that all being well and good it didn't answer my question-I asked them several times to deny the point about 40%. They simply said "We have nothing further to add."
So, as the docs establish, it is clear that that there is a 40% cut in the core budget.
So, as the docs establish, it is clear that that there is a 40% cut in the core budget.
This is what the PM’s spokesperson said when asked about this yesterday; implying he was talking about wider investment in the north. Critics saying that isn’t what he was being asked about and therefore should be cleared up on the floor of the House.
https://twitter.com/geri_e_l_scott/status/1364583831844646915
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