Transport for the North builds towards statutory status

Transport for the North (TfN) is on track to deliver improved connections for businesses and commuters across the North – following news that government will propose amendments to the Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill to give the body a statutory role.

The announcement means that a legislative pathway will be in place to enable TfN to become a statutory body in 2017. Once awarded, statutory status would allow TfN to accelerate its far-reaching programme, setting out transport policies and investment priorities in a long term transport strategy for the North.

Sir Richard Leese, interim Chairman of TfN, said: “Statutory status will ultimately enable TfN to implement real change, transforming Northern connectivity to rebalance the country’s economy. This announcement demonstrates the Government’s commitment to TfN and the creation of a Northern Powerhouse.

“To ensure that we are in a position to make rapid progress towards our vision, TfN is putting in place a high calibre team, headed up by new Chief Executive, David Brown, who joins from his previous role as Director General of Merseytravel. David will be joined later this year by a new Chair and the team will work to drive forward TfN’s ambitious programme.

“Work is currently focused on developing TfN’s updated strategy for Northern connectivity, which will be published next spring and which will outline the priorities for transforming the Northern economy through significantly enhanced connectivity between the city regions. TfN and the government will be publishing a joint report to highlight progress to date later this autumn.”