Opinion: HS2 and the North, the money won't come back
There has been considerable speculation surrounding the Northern leg of HS2 in recent weeks. Regardless of one's stance on the matter, it underscores a critical issue concerning funding in Northern England.
The government may not have done itself any favours by framing the debate solely around the reduced travel time to London, where you’re never more than 6 feet from a Pret A Manger. It implies that the only barrier to Northern workers securing proper employment is the one-hour-and-fifty-eight-minute commute, if only it was minutes shorter! In reality, HS2's true value lies in its potential to enhance rail freight capacity, ensuring dependable transportation for businesses while alleviating congestion on our roadways.
I acknowledge and, in many cases, share the concerns expressed about HS2. It may not extend far enough North, the return on investment could take too long, and an east-west connection might be more beneficial. Nevertheless, my primary concern is that if this funding is not utilised in the North, it may never return. The situation is not about redirecting this money towards different projects that connect diverse communities. Instead, the funds will simply vanish, and it may be years before we witness an opportunity like this again, if ever.
N.B This is my opinion, not necessarily shared by any group I work with
Managing Director @ Kinsman & Co | Global Growth Marketing Advisor & Consultant | Boardroom NED l Chief Marketing Officer |
4 个月Richard, great post, thanks for sharing!
Helping business leaders identify and achieve what’s more and what’s next for them and their business. Helping them develop the strategy, develop their teams and the culture to achieve that. Executive coach & mentor|NED
1 年Agreed… there’s far more to it than shaving off a bit of time.
Managing Director at Unison Ltd, Inventors and manufacturers of All Electric CNC Tube Bending Equipment, including 3D Simulation software. #tubebending
1 年IMO - all government investment modelling is London Centric, like we all want to / can work in London ! They should of worked North -> South for a change then we won’t get ditched as normal when the money runs out. The message was all wrong, as you say it’s about capacity, not speed, moving freight off the roads, who cares if it takes 2.5 hours or 2 hours, consistent, punctual, comfortable service is all we need. Like you we need to make sure the funding for the North happens or the funding will disappear for good.