"Create a new plan for the East's road-network", says regional group

A group that represents business in the East is calling on the Government to create a new plan to improve and expand our region's road network.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves yesterday unveiled new plans to boost economic growth through the expansion of major airports and creating a Europe's Silicon Valley" between Oxford and Cambridge.

""If the Government are serious about achieving economic growth, they need to go further"

James Palmer is chair of the Eastern Powerhouse:

"We estimate that the East of England is economically under-performing to the tune of £30 billion per year. That's a massive figure, it's £3,000 for every person who lives in the region.

"If the Government are serious about achieving economic growth, they need to go further.

"We want to see Cambridge bring more growth to the rest of the region. At the time of speaking that hasn't happened, the growth created there has stayed in the city.

"I would like to see the Government do more when it comes to ensuring that the region benefits from jobs and opportunities that come from manufacturing there".

What's the Government announced for Cambridge and Oxford?

The Government says delivering the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor will boost the UK economy by up to £78 billion within a decade

-The Environment Agency has lifted its objections to a new development around Cambridge that could unlock 4,500 new homes and associated community spaces such as schools and leisure facilities as well as office and laboratory space in Cambridge City Centre.

-That the government has agreed for water companies to unlock £7.9bn investment for the next 5 years to improve our water infrastructure and provide a foundation for growth. This includes nine new reservoirs, such as the new Fens Reservoir serving Cambridge and the Abingdon Reservoir near Oxford.

-Funding towards better transport links in the region including funding for East-West Rail, with new services between Oxford and Milton Keynes this year and upgrading the A428 to reduce journey times between Milton Keynes and Cambridge.

-Prioritisation of a new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital as part of the New Hospitals Programme bringing together Cambridge University, Addenbrookes Hospital and Cancer Research UK.

-Support for the development of new and expanded communities in the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor and a new East Coast Mainline station in Tempsford, to expand the region’s economy.

-A new Growth Commission for Oxford, inspired by the Cambridge model, to review how best we can unlock and accelerate nationally significant growth for the city and surrounding area.

• Appointment of Sir Patrick Vallance as Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor Champion to provide senior leadership to ensure the Government’s ambitions are delivered.

What has the Conservatives said on this?

The Conservatives says the Government's Autumn Budget is the biggest barriers to growth in the UK and will destroy jobs.

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