Dominic Browne 04 September 2019

Spending Round 19: Javid promises an 'infrastructure revolution'

Chancellor Sajid Javid used his first Sending Round to call for an 'infrastructure revolution' and promise a national strategy by 'the autumn'.

'From the motor highway to the information superhighway, we'll settle for nothing less than an infrastructure revolution,' he said, although his announcement was light on details or announcements on new cash increases.

As a first step towards investing in better transport, Mr Javid announced £200m of new money for bus services including cash for low emission buses and 'new on-demand services' - with further details in due course.

He seemed to borrow some of previous Conservative chancellor George Osborne's clothes in his emphasis on infrastructure as being a means to boost national confidence and the economy.

Like his predecessor he lambasted previous low investment that meant we had 'fallen behind our competitors'.

In a further attempt to steady Westminster, he promised that 'no department's funding will be cut next year' with spending increased at least in line with inflation - 'that's what I mean by the end of austerity'.

The Department for Transport settlement includes:

• an 11.4% increase in real terms to the department’s resource budget from 2019-20 to 2020-21;
• £1.1bn funding to ensure the Strategic Road Network runs safely and smoothly, enabling a high-performing road network that will support the economy;
• support for rail passengers and the wider rail network – for example, by committing a further £275m for maintaining rail infrastructure in 2020-21 compared to 2019-20;
• over £200m of increased funding to transform bus services, making best use of technology and promoting decarbonisation, to help people make the everyday journeys that matter most to them. Further details will be announced in due course; and
• continued support for the development of major transport projects, including pushing on with work on the Leeds to Manchester route of Northern Powerhouse Rail, and driving forward East West rail links in the Oxford to Cambridge Arc.

While the communities department MHCLG was promised 'continued funding for the Midlands Engine and Northern Powerhouse'.

On the environment, Mr Javid added: 'Leaving the EU provides an opportunity to set world leading environmental standards, and we’re giving Defra £432m of funding to do so. We’re providing £30m of new money to tackle the crisis in our air quality and another £30m for biodiversity.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Principal Finance Officer - WMF2490e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£38,220 - £39,152
We are seeking a Principal Finance Officer to join our friendly, supportive, and dynamic Finance Team. Kendal, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Specialist Domestic Abuse Worker - WMF2483e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£34,434 - £35,412 Pro rata
This part time post is dedicated to the Barrow area but may at times require travel to other parts of Westmorland and Furness. Barrow in Furness, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Therapeutic Social Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152 / Grade 11 £40,777 - £45,091
This is a really exciting and rare opportunity to join us in Durham as a Therapeutic Social Worker in our Full Circle Team. You will be working with Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Supervising Social Worker- Fostering Team

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£38,220 - £40,777
We are looking to recruit a Level 2 Social Worker in fostering supervisory social work team. Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Relief Mobile Cook

North Yorkshire Council
£13.47 - £14.13 per hour
We have an opportunity to join our award-winning Facilities Management catering team North Yorkshire / Various
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner