Millions of people across the North West will have greater access to jobs, education and public services thanks to a £14.9 million Government boost, which will be shared with communities outside England’s major cities.

Thanks to the additional resource funding, part of a £104m national uplift, local authorities can now decide how to improve public transport and drive forward schemes that boost growth and matter to their communities. This could include, new zero emission buses, improving accessibility, reducing congestion, and making streets safer with improved lighting and crossings for pedestrians and cyclists.

The Government has now confirmed how much funding each local authority across the country will be receiving under the Local Transport Grant. The funding boost will see a significant uplift for the North West, including £7.6 for Lancashire Combined County Authority, £1.7m for Cheshire West and Chester and £3.4m for Staffordshire, which will enable councils to develop detailed plans for local schemes which have the greatest impact in their areas. Funding will also ensure councils can manage the delivery of projects that improve journeys to work, shops, and essential services across towns and rural areas, helping grow local economies to deliver the Plan for Change.

Good transport connections are the foundation of thriving communities, which is why we're backing local authorities to transform journeys for millions of people across the North West.

This investment will help councils to improve transport for local people - from cleaner buses to safer cycling routes - connecting communities with jobs, education and essential services. By putting resources directly into the hands of local leaders, we're ensuring every part of the country benefits from better transport links that support economic growth and provide opportunity - all part of our Plan for Change

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Rose McArthur, Director of Transport and Highways, Cheshire West and Chester Council said:
“Cheshire West and Chester Council warmly welcomes this multi-year Local Transport Grant capacity funding announcement. This funding certainty and value will allow us to better deliver on our mission-led ambition to create brilliant transport services and opportunities for integrated travel for every person across our Borough. We will be able to work with and support our rural communities to be better connected with appropriate options, to further realise our local ambition for integrated public transport for all. We can continue to work as a data-led transport team, with the capacity needed to progress key strategic transport and highways investments identified across the Borough. Using this additional investment, we can better connect our people in cities, towns and villages with the employment, education and leisure opportunities across our Cheshire and Warrington sub region, supporting our cross-border economies and ambitions.”

Sarah Bailey, CEO, West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce, said:
“The Chamber welcomes this significant investment in transport infrastructure, which will deliver long-term benefits for businesses, employees, and communities across West Cheshire, North Wales and the wider North West Region. Improved connectivity makes it easier for people to travel, strengthens access to key markets, and supports efficient movement of goods and services. These enhancements not only boost competitiveness and economic growth but also contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future for our region.”

The investment provides unprecedented support for local transport improvements that support the Government's Plan for Change, driving growth and access to opportunity.

Today’s £104 million resource allocation boost for local authorities across England follows the Government's commitment of £2.2 billion, providing them with multi-year funding certainty to improve transport in their communities.