Context
Leeds, the largest city in Europe without a mass transit system, lacks rail-based infrastructure despite ongoing feasibility studies. The question arises from concerns about delays and lack of clarity on funding allocation.
Question
What steps he is taking to help ensure that work begins on delivering a mass transit system in Leeds. As Leeds remains the largest city in Europe without a mass transit system, or indeed any kind of rail-based system, surely the Secretary of State should stop pouring money into feasibility studies when they have already been carried out and instead give my constituents in Leeds North East some clarity by telling the House just how much of the £100 million from the integrated rail plan will be spent on a mass transit system for Leeds and west Yorkshire. And will he tell us who will make the decisions on how that money is spent?
Answer from Andrew Stephenson
The Government are committed to supporting and delivering a mass transit system in Leeds and West Yorkshire, and we will provide funding for the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to progress its plans. The hon. Gentleman makes a good point about Leeds being the largest city without a mass transit system. The integrated rail plan committed £100 million to start work on the mass transit system and to look at the most effective way to get HS2 trains to Leeds. However, it is worth noting that in addition to that, £830 million was allocated to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority through the city regional sustainable transport settlement in the autumn Budget, of which we expect £200 million to take forward the mass transit system based on the current proposals.
Not addressed: Did not provide specific details about decision-making process and how much of the £100 million from the integrated rail plan will be spent on a mass transit system for Leeds.
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