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Economic Development

Spending Review: West Country leaders react to Chancellor's announcement

Rachel Reeves has set out the budgets of government departments over the next three years

A view of the Albert Road and Temple Island area of Bristol, 2024(Image: Google Earth)


West Country leaders have welcomed government plans to invest billions of pounds in transport, affordable housing and infrastructure.

In the Spending Review on Wednesday, Chancellor Rachel Reeves set out the separate budgets of government departments until 2028 as well as investment budgets - the money used for infrastructure - until the end of the decade.

Defence, welfare and health, in particular, are set to receive a significant funding boost.

She also confirmed that nearly £800m would be allocated to the West of England for transport, with light rail and trams now "on the table" for Bristol. Plans to improve rail links between Bristol and Cardiff were also announced.

Helen Godwin, the new Mayor of the West of England, said: “[The] Spending Review confirms the exciting news that the West has secured a record £752m to invest in better transport.

"That funding will make a difference that people can see and feel, just like the welcome extension of the national £3 bus fare cap. As well as fixing our roads and bridges, that three-quarters of a billion pounds will mean better buses, more trains, and mass transit – with trams and much more on the table."

Ms Reeves also mentioned Filton in her speech to parliament for its contribution to the º£½ÇÊÓÆµ's national security.

It came as Rolls-Royce confirmed it had been selected by the government to build the country’s first small modular nuclear reactors.