Three-quarters of West Mids has lost faith in levelling up agenda

New research by campaign group HS2 East has revealed a lack of public confidence in the levelling-up agenda.

A poll of over 2,000 people from the Midlands and the North revealed that just 25% of people in the East Midlands were confident Government is doing enough to level up the UK economy.

The study also revealed concerns about the longer-term impacts of COVID-19 and the associated strain it has put on public finances. Some 55% of people in the West Midlands were worried the pandemic would widen social and economic inequalities, while 43% of those questioned thought it may stop Government investing in infrastructure, welfare and affordable housing.

Three quarters of people questioned also thought that the short-term pressures of COVID-19 had shifted focus away from climate change and stalled efforts to decarbonise.

It comes as leaders from across the East Midlands and North call for Government to commit to delivering the Eastern Leg of HS2. A recent report showed that communities surrounding the Eastern Leg suffered from lower productivity, received a lower transport spend and were home to a greater number of social mobility cold spots than their counterparts on HS2’s Western Leg, as well as compared to the UK average.

Crucially, these social mobility cold spots; where educational and employment outcomes were poor, were highly correlated with areas experiencing transport poverty.

Councillor Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council said: “The Midlands is home to over twelve million people; it’s time Westminster stood up and took notice of our region, its communities and their huge potential. The public are sick of empty promises, we need investment now if we’re to decarbonise our economy, recover from COVID-19 and build a transport network fit for the 21st Century.

“Despite seemingly committing to HS2 in February, we’re still waiting for Government to confirm its plans for Phase 2b of the project, which will connect Birmingham to Manchester and Leeds. These needless delays are scaring off investors and undermining confidence at a time when we need it most – we need commitment now.”

Paul Faulkner, president of the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce said: “Businesses in the West Midlands are unanimous, we need investment from Government to create jobs, promote trade and spark the regeneration needed to pull us out of this recession. HS2 will support thousands of apprenticeships, create contract opportunities for local businesses and provide a truly carbon-neutral form of transport for travellers. Now is not the time for half measures, we need it to be delivered in full, all the way to the East Midlands and Leeds.”

The National Infrastructure Commission is due to imminently publish its Rail Needs Assessment, a series of recommendations to Government regarding how it can optimise the delivery of HS2’s Eastern Leg. Government’s Integrated Rail Plan, setting out how the Eastern Leg will be delivered, is due out before the end of the year.