Autumn Statement: our response
EEH: 'Crucial infrastructure is delivered at pace'
Following today's Autumn Statement, Chair of England's Economic Heartland, Cllr Liz Leffman, said: "Today’s Autumn Statement places significant emphasis on science and technology-led economic growth, which our region has a pivotal role in delivering.
"Last month commitments were made by government around the delivery of Ely Junction and several major road network schemes across the region. Given their importance, it is crucial major infrastructure such as Ely and East West Rail, and improvements to our strategic roads and mass transit, are delivered at pace.
"The sooner we have East West Rail, delivered in full and including superb door-to-door connectivity, the sooner we can transform opportunities for our residents, businesses and global investors. The sooner we boost rail freight capacity at Ely, the sooner 100,000 lorries are removed from our roads, relieving congestion and reducing emissions. Without their timely arrival, our region will not be able to maintain its global competitiveness and deliver its potential for the UK economy.
"But it is not just about physical infrastructure. We will continue to advise government of the policy changes we believe would improve the UK’s transport system. For example, local authorities in our region would greatly benefit from the longer-term funding settlements which have been given to councils in the Midlands and North. And we believe all local transport authorities and groupings of authorities should have ability, if they wish, to franchise bus services.
"We look forward to continuing to work with government and its agencies to deliver a world class transport system for a world class region, to the benefit of our communities, businesses and UK as a whole."
5G East West Rail project wins funding
Businesses and residents near East West Rail are set to benefit from world class 5G technology following a successful funding bid to government which was supported by England’s Economic Heartland and the East West Main Line Partnership.
A consortium led by Oxfordshire County Council, including Buckinghamshire, Central Bedfordshire, Peterborough and Cambridgeshire councils, won £3.8m from the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT) to establish a ‘5G Innovation Region’.
The consortium – England’s Connected Heartland – plans to initially invest in two major 5G projects – the East West Rail project between Bicester and Bletchley, and the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus.
The East West Rail 5G project will seek to demonstrate how enhanced digital connectivity for track operations and passengers can be met with a pilot 5G network. This will also provide trackside communities and businesses with improved connectivity, for example enabling agri-tech applications which improve productivity on nearby farms.
Milton Keynes to host major self-driving vehicle trial.
A new self driving vehicle trial is coming to Milton Keynes as part of a Europe-wide research project. The shuttle, operated by transport technology specialist Aurrigo, creates a 360-degree view using sensors and cameras to safely drive along public roads. Although autonomous the electric shuttle has an operator on board who can take control at anytime. The electric vehicle is accessible for all and can carry up to 15 passengers.
News of interest from the region
Region's contribution to UK Space Superpower
Seven out of 12 projects today awarded funding by the UK Space Agency's Space Clusters Infrastructure Fund (SCIF) are based in the EEH region.
The Government announced more than £47 million for 12 projects which will be doubled by match funding from the sector, representing over £98 million of new private/public investment in space research and development infrastructure.
Harwell in Oxfordshire is home to several of the winning projects, including £6 million to install state-of-the-art facilities enabling Thales Alenia Space to deliver satellites and systems for institutional, defence and commercial markets.
URA Thrusters, based at Westcott Venture Park in Buckinghamshire, received £5.9m towards a 62,000 sq. ft development including training facilities, communal space and shared technical facilities.
Airbus Defence and Space Ltd in Stevenage will use £3.9m to establish a ‘catalyst facility’ for use by the space community.
And the Open University in Milton Keynes was part of a consortium to receive £342,000 to develop the Collaborative Space Data Centre (COSDAC) to address a strategic gap in commercial data centre provision for the space industry.
EEH welcomes new transport ministers
Three new ministers have been appointed to the Department for Transport following the recent reshuffle.
MP for South Cambridgeshire, Anthony Browne MP, has been appointed as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State with responsibilities including transport decarbonisation, air quality, skills, aviation, science and research and technology.
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Guy Opperman MP has been appointed as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State with responsibilities including local transport, roads, future freight and active travel.
And Lord Davies of Gower has been given responsibility for maritime, international transport and union connectivity.
EEH welcomes the new ministers to their positions and looks forward to working with them to support our shared ambitions for improved connectivity.
New £2 million competition launched to help decarbonise local transport
The Department for Transport has launched a £2 million competition to run trials that focus on decarbonising transport. Half of this funding is reserved for rural transport challenges.
The competition aims to encourage businesses and local authorities to work together to develop and trial schemes that cut emissions. Businesses are able to apply for up to £500,000.
Other news of interest
Are you interested in joining the EEH team?
EEH are recruiting for a senior transport strategy officer!
This is an exciting opportunity to join England’s Economic Heartland where you will be responsible for managing and supporting projects within EEH’s work programme to deliver our overarching Transport Strategy.
As a Senior Transport Strategy Officer, the role is responsible for supporting and managing projects within EEH’s work programme to deliver the overarching Transport Strategy. You will liaise with delivery partners and our Local Authority Partners to deliver the programme and support Local Authority Partners to progress their Local Transport Plans. The role will ensure decisions are supported by a regional evidence base that underpins the Strategy. The role will be responsible for supporting the on-going development of the regional evidence base.
Apply now! Closing 10 December 2023
Have a job opportunity you would like to promote?
If you're an EEH partner and have a job opportunity you'd like to share through this newsletter, please contact Erin Pitcher: erin.pitcher@englandseconomicheartland.com
Dates for your diary
November
DECEMBER 2023
JANUARY 2024
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