Analysis from independent think-tank the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) examined Treasury figures between 2009/10 and 2022/23, which spanned successive Tory governments, and found a shortfall that could have funded seven Elizabeth Lines.
In England as a whole, £592 per person was invested in transport each year. London received almost double that amount at £1,183 spent per person, the IPPR said.
This amounted to £140bn of missed investment for the North – more than the estimated £83bn spent on the region since 1999/2000, according to the analysis.
Rachel Reeves, ahead of the spending review on Wednesday, committed £15.6bn towards transport projects in cities outside London that have long suffered from underinvestment.
She said the previous focus on prioritising public infrastructure investment in areas that would deliver the most reliable financial returns, such as London, had created large gaps between regions.
The funding to expected to be used to extend metros in Tyne and Wear, Greater Manchester and the West Midlands, along with a renewed tram network in South Yorkshire and a new mass transit system in West Yorkshire.
“We are 124 years on from the end of Queen Victoria’s reign, yet the North is still running on infrastructure built during her reign – while our transport chasm widens.
Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood said: “This report lays bare the way in which successive Conservative governments have short-changed areas outside of London and the South-East, denying millions of people access to jobs, education and opportunity.
“This Labour Government is investing in Britain’s renewal and making everyday journeys easier in the places you live.”
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