Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce has outlined the priorities it believes the Government needs to consider to help drive economic growth as part of its Comprehensive Spending Review.
A letter sent to Chancellor Rachel Reeves from Chamber CEO Rachel Laver flags transport issues as one of five key areas where investment is needed.
In it, Rachel describes congestion on local and regional roads as a ‘growing concern’ giving particular mention to the A50/A500 corridor and describes how Chamber members are ‘very concerned’ following the cancellation of the northern leg of HS2, calling for capacity in this section of the West Coast Mainline to be ‘improved significantly’.
The letter reads: “With an estimated 40 per cent of the UK population living within a two hour drive of Staffordshire, it’s easy to see why more and more businesses are moving into our county. Exceptional road and rail connectivity places us at the heart of the UK, with four international airports within a one-hour drive.
“We would like to see a clear budget commitment for significant transport infrastructure improvement schemes.
“Transport is a key enabler for moving people and goods and showing a commitment to invest in our transport network is a clear indicator of getting the basics right.”
Other calls in the letter include:
- More government funding to support post graduates moving into planning roles at local planning authorities.
- Local labour clauses to be included in all public sector contracts and with 30-day payment terms embedded.
- Funding to further enhance the access and availability of a cyber resilience programme.
- More financial support to help SME exporters, with incentives to support and encourage businesses to take those initial first steps on the road to overseas trade.
- Investment in regional infrastructure by unlocking grid connectivity, allowing surplus energy created, to be offloaded into the grid.
- Further financial commitment to encourage businesses to embrace sustainability.
- A clear financial commitment to continue on the ground delivery of Local Skills Improvement Plans beyond the current end date of 31 March 2025.
- A clear financial statement of intent around the future of the business support landscape, from 1 April 2026 once the UK Shared Prosperity Fund programme ends – and a simplification of business support as a whole.
Rachel has once again invited the chancellor to return to North Staffordshire to meet with the local business community.
