MP calls for transport funding to be spent on A1 improvements in Northumberland

The Government’s Spending Review has set departmental budgets for the next three years and has been accompanied by a number of policy spending announcements.

David Smith, North Northumberland MP, said: “I’m very pleased that the Spending Review focuses on what matters: family and schools, the NHS, defence, and transport.”

Free school meals have been expanded for next year, so up to 2,900 children in North Northumberland will be eligible for a free hot meal every day. The Government has also allocated £2.4bn extra a year for school refurbishment.

David said: “I will be lobbying the Government to secure maximum funding for our school estate in North Northumberland.”

The NHS has received an extra £29bn per year alongside commitments to have mental health support in every school.

Defence will receive an extra £2bn a year more, with money going toward improving military homes. 270 military homes in North Northumberland have been bought back from contractors so that military personnel can be housed properly.

There has also been a significant uplift in funding for Department for Transport, and many departments are yet to decide how exact funding will be allocated over the coming years.

David said: “I have been meeting with National Highways for months to discuss how we can improve safety along the A1. I now want the A1 to get as much as possible from the increased transport funding in the Spending Review.

“This government knows that if we want a better future, we actually need to build it, and this Spending Review is a massive investment in North Northumberland’s future by a Labour Government rejecting austerity and apathy. We are moving on from Broken Britain.”

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness added: "For too long, spending and investment has been rigged in this country against the people of the North East. But that is now changing.

"This is a transformative moment for our region, with investment that will create jobs, build new affordable homes, transform our public transport and grow our industries.

"We secured £1.85bn for North East transport, which will extend the Metro to Washington and restore our iconic Tyne Bridge. As well as £30m for science and research.

"I’ll be starting work with the Deputy Prime Minister on the details of the North East’s dedicated 10-year growth fund, which I will use to unlock world-class opportunities for our region that will benefit people of all backgrounds.

"Our public transport system will prioritise local people over profits. I’ve already committed to keep single bus fares in the North East capped at no more than £2.50 until the end of the year. I was pleased to see the Chancellor cap bus fares at £3 until March 2027 and I will be looking at ways to keep our fares low for longer.

"We’ll see more spades in the ground with an enormous boost for social housing in the North East, creating the genuinely affordable homes local people need.

"I’ll keep working with the Chancellor and fighting to channel more investment into the North East."