Major Transport Schemes: Local Authority Support

13. What steps her Department is taking to support local authorities to implement major transport schemes.

The Government are investing an unprecedented £15.6 billion in local transport across our city regions, including £1.5 billion for South Yorkshire and £2.1 billion for West Yorkshire, to support the delivery of transport schemes across the region. We have also confirmed £2.3 billion for the local transport grant over the spending review period for improvements in places outside major city regions, including to support more zero emission buses, cycleways and congestion improvement measures.

I welcome the Department’s recognition of the positive impact that the Penistone line rail upgrade will have, boosting economic growth, improving connectivity and supporting ambitions for half-hourly services between Huddersfield and Sheffield. This is a clear example of what can be achieved when Labour leads at every level—council, mayor and MP. What further support can the Secretary of State’s Department offer when it comes to securing the next phase of this vital project to ensure a frequent and reliable service across the entirety of the Penistone line?

I have a meeting soon to discuss the matter with my hon. Friend’s constituency neighbour, my hon. Friend the Member for Penistone and Stocksbridge (Dr Tidball). I would be happy for him to join that meeting.