Members of the Transport for the North (TfN) board are calling on ministers to provide confirmation of future funding for TfN, which would allow it to work on plans to improve connectivity across the region.
TfN is the only statutory Sub-national Transport Body in England and is charged by government with providing advice on strategic infrastructure requirements. It is funded directly by the Department for Transport.
But Northern leaders have expressed “grave concern” that TfN is still waiting for confirmation of its funding for the next three years.
Cllr Louise Gittins, leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council and vice-chair of Transport for the North, has written to the secretary of state for transport Grant Shapps asking for a meeting to resolve the situation.
Gittins said: “At its meeting the TfN Board expressed its grave concern at the continued lack of certainty with regards to its core funding.
“The Board was concerned to note the implications this is having on TfN’s ability to deliver its agreed programme of work, and the consequential implications the continued uncertainty has for the health and well-being of staff.”
Transport for the North has offices in Manchester and Leeds, it works with local authorities, business leaders and the government to identify how best to direct investment in the Northern transport network to boost the economy for the people in the region and the country as a whole.
