STB makes infrastructure asks to develop Heartland

13/09/2018 | CHRIS AMES

An emerging sub-national transport body has called for a groundbreaking National Policy Statement (NPS) for its region as part of a list of demands to speed up the delivery of infrastructure.

England’s Economic Heartland (EEH), which covers the Oxford-Milton Keynes-Cambridge corridor, launched a ‘call to action’ for Government at its annual conference this week.

It said its proposals would accelerate delivery of strategic infrastructure to support growth, while giving confidence to residents and investors that schemes will be built on time and to budget.

EEH chairman Cllr Martin Tett (right) said: ‘The Heartland has the potential to treble the size of its economy, but its success to date has come at a price, with infrastructure that is often at capacity. If we are to realise this huge opportunity for UK Plc, rhetoric needs to be turned into reality – and that’s what this call to action is all about.

‘England’s Economic Heartland shares the Government’s ambition for the corridor, but this will require a sustained, co-ordinated programme of investment in strategic and local infrastructure.’

EEH wants the Government to:

  • commit to developing a geographically-specific NPS for the Heartland
  • establish a ‘major scheme development fund’ to support local authorities bring forward infrastructure proposals
  • provide an ‘indicative funding envelope’ to be used in the prioritisation of investment proposals
  • establish a joint business delivery unit with EEH with a remit to accelerate delivery of strategic infrastructure
  • make commitments in respect of six strategic infrastructure priorities for the Heartland

NPS are usually used for large pieces of infrastructure or issues that cover the whole country but have not previously been drawn up for a specific region.

Speaking at the conference, exchequer secretary to the Treasury Robert Jenrick MP confirmed that the Government was considering the proposal for an NPS for the region.

The six infrastructure priorities for Government outlined in the call to action include applying 'the same level of ministerial commitment to delivering the A428 Black Cat-Caxton Gibbet scheme as has been shown for East West Rail' and a commitment to fund the development and delivery of the A1 (M) corridor improvements.

EEH consists of 11 local transport authorities from Swindon to Cambridgeshire and has a total population of over 5.1 million people.

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Director of Transport

£112,924
East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is on a bold journey. East Midlands Region
Recruiter: East Midlands Combined County Authority

Ferry Host - WMF3049i

£25,584 - £25,992
Ferry Host - WMF3049i Windermere, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Director of Streetscene

£94,972 - £108,767
We continue to have big ambitions for our borough Fareham, Hampshire
Recruiter: Fareham Borough Council

Principal Engineer - Urban Traffic Control (UTC)

£44,711 - £49,764
Liverpool is home to vibrant, energetic and engaged communities. Liverpool, Merseyside
Recruiter: Liverpool City Council

Lawyer 2- Planning and Highways

£49,764 - £54,181
We are looking for a fresh thinking and enthusiastic Planning and Highways Lawyer Hereford, Herefordshire
Recruiter: Herefordshire Council

Development Engineer

£35,967 - £41,268 per annum
Are you ready to play a key role in shaping and safeguarding the future of our highways and public spaces? Bexley (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recruiter: London Borough of Bexley

Professional Services Partnering Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Professional Services Partnering Manager to lead the strategic management Darley Dale, Matlock
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Technical Supervision Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We are looking for an experienced and driven Technical Supervision Manager to lead our technical supervision teams within the Highways Service. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Street Lighting Electrician (CDC)

Grade 8, £32,662 - £36,239 (pay award pending)
Highways Operations is a growing service area within the Place directorate. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: City Of Doncaster Council

Highways Assistant Engineer WMF2133e

£39,513 to £40,476
We have an exciting opportunity for the right person to work within the challenging and ever-changing landscape. Penrith, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Highways Inspector/NRSWA

£36,345 - £40,344
We are looking for an organised and self-motivated individual to join our Streetworks Team based in Hackney Central. Hackney, London (Greater)
Recruiter: London Borough of Hackney Council

Structures Commissioner

Grade 14 £53,166 - £59,080 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our team as the Structures Commissioner. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Team Leader Network Co-ordination

£51,429 - £58,140
As Team Leader for Network Coordination, you’ll manage a team that oversees all works and events on our public highways. Kensington and Chelsea, London (Greater)
Recruiter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recruiter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recruiter: Hull City Council

Principal Transport Planner

£45,718 to £49,764
Do you have considerable experience in the transport strategy and policy, and are you looking for your next career development opportunity? Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: Sheffield City Council

Project Lead - Bridges and Structures WMF3037e

£45,718 to £46,731
We are currently seeking to recruit a Project Lead to join our Bridges and Structures team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW