Commons Debate Highlights Major Regional Transport Spending Disparities with East Mids receiving 72% less per head than Londoners

A recent debate in the House of Commons has exposed significant inequalities in transport funding across the UK. MPs from regions outside major metropolitan areas highlighted the stark differences in per-person spending.

Martin Wrigley, MP for Newton Abbot, cited figures from the House of Commons Library showing that in 2023/24, transport spending per person was £429 in the South West, compared with £1,313 in London, £729 in the North West, and £706 in the West Midlands. In relative terms, residents in the South West received just 32% of London’s funding, while the West Midlands received 54% and the North West 56%.

Catherine Atkinson, MP for Derby North, noted that the East Midlands received the lowest funding per capita in the country, at £368, equivalent to 28% of London’s allocation. She added that if the region had received the UK average over the five years from 2019 to 2024, it would have gained an additional £10 billion.

Atkinson criticised the UK Treasury’s Green Book, the official guidance for appraising public investments, suggesting it may contribute to the imbalance. She stated:“For years, there have been concerns that the Green Book is skewing how areas of need are identified, leaving regions like the East Midlands underfunded compared with London and other areas.”

The debate has reignited calls for a review of how transport investment is allocated to ensure fairer distribution across all parts of the UK.