City region leader declared today’s spending announcements as “a landmark moment”
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram said today’s major spending announcements by the government represent a ‘real vote of confidence’ in this part of the country.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered her much-anticipated Spending Review in the House of Commons today, with big funding announcements for areas like the NHS, social housing and public transport – and there was plenty of good news for our region.
Chief on that list was transport, with the Chancellor confirming a £1.6 billion boost for public transport projects. This will include a new fleet of buses as the city region looks to bring all services back into public control, it will mean three new Merseyrail stations in Wirral, St Helens and Halton and it will mean a new rapid transit ‘Glider’ network with routes to Anfield, Bramley-Moore Dock and Liverpool John Lennon Airport.
Sticking with transport, the Chancellor also signalled the government’s intention to bring forward an announcement on funding for a new Liverpool-Manchester rail line, dubbed Northern Powerhouse Rail, with proposals set to be outlined in the coming weeks.
There was also good news for three of our region’s neighbourhoods – Bootle South, Birkenhead Central and Speke East – which were all chosen to receive £20m as part of the government’s new ‘trailblazer’ neighbourhoods plan.
Reflecting on the major fiscal event, Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said: “This Spending Review sets the right tone – and the right priorities – for the road ahead. At a time when tough choices have had to be made, the Chancellor has clearly recognised the value of investing in the parts of the country with the greatest potential and the strongest record of delivery.
“That’s a real vote of confidence in places like the Liverpool City Region, and in the role that mayors can play as the delivery arm of government.
“I welcome the focus on long-term investment, regional fairness and the practical steps being taken to back local areas with the tools and funding we need to succeed. From transport and housing to skills and innovation, this gives us the opportunity to build on our momentum and deliver real, lasting change.
“We’re ready to hit the ground running and I look forward to working closely with ministers to make the most of what’s been set out today.”
Another announcement Mayor Rotheram was pleased to hear was the Chancellor’s commitment to reform the ‘Green Book’ method used by the Treasury to appraise funding for projects around the country. This is a move Mayor Rotheram has called for previously.
He said: “This is a landmark moment. For too long, the rules governing public investment have tilted the playing field against areas like ours. I’ve spent years pressing for reform of the Green Book, and I’m really pleased to see the Treasury now recognising the need for a fairer, more practical approach.
“These changes go far beyond technical tweaks; they represent a fundamental shift in how funding decisions get made. By cutting unnecessary complexity, scrapping arbitrary thresholds, and putting local priorities at the heart of the process, we have a real opportunity to deliver the kind of inclusive growth that benefits every part of the country.
“The real test now is implementation. That’s why I’m offering the Liverpool City Region as a national pilot for this new approach to show how it can work in practice and deliver better outcomes for people in places that have too often been left behind.”
On the specific subject of a new Liverpool to Manchester railway, which Mayor Rotheram and his Greater Manchester counterpart Andy Burnham have campaigned for, the city region leader added: ““Today we got some really positive signals from the Chancellor that show our calls for serious investment in the North’s railways are finally being heard. We’ll be eagerly awaiting the detail in the forthcoming infrastructure strategy.
“Our proposals for the Liverpool-Manchester Railway are about far more than just laying some railway tracks; it’s about better connecting people to jobs and opportunities; supporting growth across the north, and unlocking thousands of new homes. A modern rail link befitting two of the UK’s great cities could help spark £90bn of economic growth across the north.
“Two centuries ago, the Liverpool-Manchester Railway helped power an industrial revolution. With the right backing, we have the chance to lead a new one, delivering growth and prosperity for generations to come.”
And on transport funding more widely, Mayor Rotheram added: “With £1.6bn coming our way, we can crack on with building the kind of transport network people here deserve: new train stations, a rapid transit system, and a bus service run for people, not profit.
“It’s not just about better connections; good transport is a real engine of growth. It helps people get to work, supports new homes and businesses, and builds the foundations of a fairer, more productive economy. With a Chancellor who’s willing to back our ambition, we’ve now got the funding to make it happen.”
