Reacting to news of a £7bn pot of money for transport investment, Claire Walker, Co-Executive Director of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“It’s great to see the Chancellor recognise the importance of local infrastructure in driving our economy forward and levelling up communities across the country.

“This investment will be a welcome boost toward that goal and will also be vital in achieving our net zero targets by funding more efficient, reliable and greener public transport.

“Chambers of Commerce have also long argued for flexible fares and simplified ticketing, but we really need those delivered at pace to make a difference. Critical to making all of this work is delivering HS2 in full.”