Suffolk Chamber statement on city region transport announcements

The announcements by the Chancellor of the Exchequer related to funding for transport projects in a number of city regions. Suffolk Chamber of Commerce understands that there is likely to be further specific news both during the full Spending Review statement on 11^th June and from relevant departments’ spending commitments thereafter, so it is probably prudent to wait and see before commenting further.

We certainly remain hopeful that the massive benefits and value-for-money from the Ely/Haughley junctions projects, so vital for shifting freight off Suffolk’s roads onto rail and contributing to greater national prosperity through improved connections between our ports to the Midlands and the North, will be progressed. After all, these are projects without any opposition and which will see a return of £5 for every £1 invested. They are absolutely vital for the future growth of our vital ports, logistics and haulage businesses and their supply chains.

“What has also been so impressive about the campaign for Ely/Haughley, especially so in the last few years, has been the sheer breadth and depth of support. Suffolk Chamber has certainly appreciated working with our county’s MPs and council leaders of all parties and those from neighbouring counties, plus dozens of chambers of commerce from across the Midlands and the North in advocating for these catalytic schemes. We trust that the Treasury has listened to this mighty and unanimous coalition.