Midlands Engine statement on the Government Spending Review

Rachael Greenwood, Director, Midlands Engine said: “We welcome the Government’s commitment to levelling up and to a green recovery with a £4 billion fund for local projects, a new National Infrastructure Bank and reforms to the Green Book methodology to make sure Government spending is distributed more fairly across the country.”

As a region, we need to see this translated with pace into tangible plans that drive regional economic growth and secure future competitiveness, given the scale of the economic emergency. Once-in-a-generation infrastructure investment will make the most difference when it supports historically underfunded regions, like the Midlands – and when it is delivered on a pan-regional basis. Every part of our region must be able to benefit from growth through investment.

We want to see investment in the vital connections we need between the East and West Midlands, including making sure that HS2 brings benefits to the whole of our region. And we want to accelerate progress on digital connectivity. If the Government fulfils its promises for 5G, this could be worth £5 billion to the Midlands’ economy over the next five years.