The British government said on Saturday (23.10.2021) that the UK’s next budget will include a $9.6 billion investment in transport outside London, as part of plans to reduce economic inequality.
Finance Minister Rishi Sunak will present the initiative during the upcoming budget and spending review next Wednesday.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s “parity” program is seen as vital to maintaining support for the former strongholds of the Labor opposition that backed him in the 2019 election.
His Conservative Party won many seats in northern England on a promise to end the country’s exit from the European Union and create jobs.
Resources from the relocation project will go to areas of the former labor “red wall” that supported the Conservatives two years ago, and are seen as compensation for that support.
The Finance Ministry said in a statement that the government will invest in urban areas to increase productivity through improvements to trains and stations, as well as expanding the tram network. It will also include funds to improve bus services.
The government is seeking to speed up travel times, simplify payment and increase service outside London, amid allegations that areas outside the capital have poor services, hurting businesses. (afp)
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