The Government has launched a new Northern Growth Strategy, with Northern Powerhouse Rail at its heart.
The Treasury has allocated £1.1 billion over the current Spending Review period, with the first phase of the programme delivering improved rail connections between Sheffield and Leeds, Leeds and York, and Leeds and Bradford.
Cllr Louise Gittins, LGA Chair, said: “Transport infrastructure is absolutely vital for unlocking growth, and strong, well-planned networks are the backbone of inclusive, sustainable and thriving local economies. These announcements are therefore very positive for local authorities in the North.
“To ensure this major investment maximises the potential for economic expansion in the region, councils in the North stand ready to work closely with central government, mayors and regional partners to deliver these opportunities for local communities.
“The Government must now pull all levers to see this through to delivery.
“This announcement builds on recently published LGA-commissioned research, which underlines the pivotal role councils play in driving inclusive growth and reveals there is £276 billion of untapped local economic opportunity ready to be unlocked by tackling local barriers and investing in stronger, place-based strategies.”