'Very good news': Politicians' react to £1bn Tees Valley transport pot annunced today
Politicians from across the Tees Valley have welcomed the Government's announcement to commit £1bn of funding to transport infrastructure projects across the region.
However, priorities on what the money should be used for are varied, with Redcar's MP calling on the Tees Valley Mayor to bring buses into public control - something he has sworn off doing several times.
Some £978m was previously allocated to Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) under the last Conservative government as CRSTS2 funding, following the cancellation of part of HS2.
When Labour came into power they put the allocation - along with allocations to other combined authorities - under review, arguing that Tory announcements weren't backed up by cash.
In a written ministerial statement in summer 2024, then-Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said there was a 'gap between promised schemes and the money available to deliver them' amounting to about £2.9bn which had been made clear to her by officials.
Prior to this, in January 2024, TVCA Cabinet approved 26 projects aimed at improving road, rail and bus travel across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool, utilising the £978m transport package. Since that money was put under review nearly a year ago, concerns were raised about the pot of funding potentially being reduced or even cut completely.
Now that the full amount of funding has been confirmed, TVCA has said it means that work can accelerate on schemes such as a new station at Teesside Park.
Had only part of the money been confirmed, then TVCA Cabinet would have needed to convene to agree which of the 26 projects would be prioritised, but this will not be necessary following confirmation of full and complete funding.
Councillor Steve Harker, Leader of Darlington Council and TVCA cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, said: 'This is very good news for the Tees Valley and shows the new Government's commitment to making a real difference to our transport network.
"We've a wide range of projects planned for our road and rail network – and there is also plenty lined up to improve infrastructure for buses and those who get around by bike.
'This commitment will help us make our plans a reality and I'm looking forward to seeing more progress now being made on the ground.'
As previously reported, Tees Valley Conservative Mayor Ben Houchen welcomed the news, saying: 'This is the right move. We've been tirelessly making the case for this money, announced by the previous government, to come to us.
"I'm pleased our message has hit home – and it means we can get on and deliver on our list of absolutely vital transport projects – agreed by cabinet – to secure growth and jobs for people across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.'
Anna Turley, Labour MP for Redcar said: 'Some governments make big promises and write cheques they cannot cash. But it's a Labour government that actually delivers. This £1bn investment is real money going into our region's transport, and it's long overdue.'
She called on Mayor Houchen to bring buses back into public control, saying: 'There are no more excuses. People in TS6 and across our area need better, cheaper, more reliable transport – not just to get to work or school, but to see loved ones, attend appointments and access opportunity.'
The Redcar MP set out her view of the state of local bus services as a 'disgrace', adding: 'We've got parents in TS6 paying over a thousand pounds a year just to get their kids to school. That's completely unacceptable. It's time for the mayor to get on and deliver the priorities of local people.'
Ms Turley added: 'South Bank station has been ignored for years, leaving communities cut off. That has to change and I look forward to seeing it brought back to life. I want this money to benefit our communities in ways residents can actually see and feel – not on fantasy pet projects for the mayor.'
Bringing buses into public ownership was not one of the 26 projects and Mayor Houchen has repeatedly argued against doing so. When a motion came to Middlesbrough Council in March, calling for the end of deregulation of buses in the Tees Valley, the regional mayor called it a 'vague, unworkable idea'.
Even though the motion gained cross party support at the local council level and passed with a large majority, the Tees Valley Mayor dismissed the plan before the vote, as he did not believe it would have a positive impact for people across the five councils that make up the combined authority.
The mayor said: 'Franchising buses would mean years of costly bureaucracy, handing hundreds of millions to companies like Arriva and Stagecoach, and a significant tax increase on local people – something I've promised never to do.'
As for other projects part of the £1bn plan, Middlesbrough and Thornaby East Labour MP Andy McDonald was particularly excited about the potential for Middlesbrough railway station.
Mr McDonald said: 'Our ambition beyond today's announcement is for a re-imagined frontage at the north entrance opening out into Middlehaven. The delivery of the third platform makes that possible.
'Last month I met with the various partners involved in making this happen at the station and just today I met with rail minister Lord Peter Hendy to discuss Middlesbrough station and other rail issues.
'I retain the ambition to deliver the very best for Middlesbrough's station and will continue battling away to make sure we achieve it and get what Middlesbrough and Thornaby East deserves, including electrification upgrades across the network.'
Luke Myer, Labour MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland said: 'This is fantastic news and long overdue – this money will be transformative for the people of our region.
"Every week, I'm hearing from people who are desperate for transport improvements – from more reliable public transport to proper road maintenance. Transport improvements have been promised for years – finally we have the cash to deliver.
'Now the Tees Valley Mayor has the money and the powers – he must get on with delivering these projects, whether it be bus expansion for our communities in East Cleveland, a new third platform at Middlesbrough, or improved infrastructure across Teesside.'
Meanwhile, Stockton North Labour MP Chris McDonald said: 'This £1 billion investment is a once-in-a-generation chance to transform transport across the Tees Valley.
"From restoring the iconic Transporter Bridge to fixing our broken bus services, every penny must go toward improving lives in communities like Stockton, Billingham and Norton.
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'I've been clear - our area deserves transport that works. With this funding, we can deliver reliable bus routes, better rail services in Billingham, and breathe new life into local landmarks like the Transporter Bridge. This is about connecting people to jobs, education and opportunity – building a future we can be proud of.'
A joint statement from the five leaders (all Labour) of local councils within the Tees Valley said: 'We as leaders of the five local authorities which make up the Tees Valley Combined Authority welcome the significant amount of funding from the Labour Government for transport across the Tees Valley.
"We are aware of the pressure on our current roads and bridges and this funding should go into making sure they are fit for purpose. If spent right will also help to progress the connectivity across the region and give us a transport system which is sustainable and efficient.'
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