Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Transport Connectivity: Runcorn and Helsby 2026-07-16

Thursday 16 July 2026 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Sarah Pochin inquired about plans to improve transport connectivity in Runcorn and Helsby constituency.
  • The Department allocated 1 billion of local transport funding to the Liverpool city region and 420 million to Cheshire and Warrington.
  • The Minister met with Sarah Pochin in October to discuss tolls on the Mersey Gateway, which are the responsibility of Halton borough council.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Sarah Pochin Reform
Transport
Context

None provided in the given text.

Question

What plans her Department has for improving transport connectivity in Runcorn and Helsby constituency?

Answer from Simon Lightwood

We are empowering local leaders with unprecedented powers and funding to deliver the transport improvements that will best connect their communities. We have allocated £1 billion of local transport funding to the Liverpool city region, and £420 million to Cheshire and Warrington. Thanks to this funding, local leaders can prioritise bus improvements, road repairs, and better cycling and walking routes for their constituents.

Answered
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Q2 Sarah Pochin Reform
Economy Transport
Context

The MP has been raising the issue of Mersey tolls affecting growth and prosperity in her constituency for a year. Despite multiple efforts, no support from the government for businesses south of the Mersey.

Question

It has been a year since I started raising the issue of the Mersey tolls creating barriers to growth and prosperity in Runcorn and Helsby. Despite my asking questions, sending letters, meeting with Ministers and campaigning alongside local residents and businesses, the Government still refuse to consider support for businesses south of the Mersey, which are unfairly penalised simply because of their geography. Will the Minister now reconsider helping those who are affected with subsidies for businesses in Runcorn?

Answer from Simon Lightwood

The hon. Lady and I met in October to discuss the tolls on the Mersey Gateway. As she is aware, these charges are the responsibility of Halton borough council. Thanks to funding already provided by the Department, residents of Halton can register a vehicle to use the crossings for personal journeys, free of charge, for an annual fee of £12. Businesses and constituents have benefited greatly from the construction of the Mersey Gateway bridge, which was only made possible thanks to the toll income and our annual grant.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask for subsidies for businesses south of the Mersey was not addressed.

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