‘Levelling up’ key infrastructure like transport is an essential pillar of the government’s domestic strategy, aimed at bridging the gulf between the north and the south. But is the hype justified?
Bolstered by its victories in ‘red wall’ northern seats, the government is attempting to redress the imbalance between the regions. And that imbalance is very real. In the five years to 2019/20, London received infrastructure investment at the equivalent of £12,147 per person, while their compatriots in the north received only £8,125.
To provide a solution, the government has launched its levelling up white paper, which promises to spread opportunity and prosperity to all parts of the UK, including the north.