Ministers now intend to give Transport for the North (TfN) statutory status in April – later than TfN had planned.
The Department for Transport (DfT) said the move would would give the North ‘an unprecedented say on how money is spent on transport’ and underlines the Government’s commitment to the Northern Powerhouse.
Legislation to transform TfN into the first ever statutory sub-national transport body – with legal powers and duties – have been laid in Parliament. The DfT said that after being approved in Parliament, the legislation will be made into law by the end of the year or shortly afterwards and TfN will become a statutory body on 1 April 2018.
Transport minister Jesse Norman said: ‘We are committed to the Northern Powerhouse, and to giving the great towns and cities of the North more say over transport investment through their umbrella body TfN.
‘This Government is investing the most cash for a generation in transport projects for the North. These new powers will give TfN far greater influence over national infrastructure decisions, as well the certainty they need to plan and drive forward projects such as Northern Powerhouse Rail and smart ticketing.’
The DfT said putting TfN on a statutory footing means that its recommendations must be formally considered by the Government.
