Multi-million pound schemes to reduce congestion and boost economic growth have taken a big step forward after plans were sent to local enterprise partnership Enterprise M3 to be considered for further funding.
With the Budget looming, Surrey County Council’s leader has called on Chris Grayling to “urgently identify the funding” to develop Crossrail 2. In a letter to the Transport Secretary, David Hodge describes Crossrail 2, which is set to serve Shepperton, Hampton Court and Epsom in Surrey, as a “once in a generation opportunity” to drive … Continue reading
Fully electrifying the North Downs Line will boost the government’s coffers by nearly £190 million. Upgrading the train line, which runs between Reading and Gatwick through Surrey, will generate an additional £89m a year in corporation tax and an extra £97m annually in income tax. News of the potentially massive financial boost for the government … Continue reading
Surrey County Council has joined forces with Great Western Railway to press for investment in fully electrifying the North Downs Line. The county council and rail franchise operator have agreed to use their collective clout to drive forward the case for upgrading the final 29 miles of track between Reading and Gatwick. It comes after … Continue reading
Surrey County Council is investing £50,000 to help business start-ups get off the ground, grow and create jobs. It has joined forces with the Fredericks Foundation, which lends to people who may have been turned down for a bank loan. The money will be used to call on the charity’s expertise with the aim of … Continue reading
Following a report by Network Rail about improving rail services from Waterloo, Surrey County Council Cabinet Member for Transport John Furey said: “It’s awful feeling like a sardine packed into a train carriage. These plans are good news for Surrey’s commuters and economy. They include electrifying the North Downs Line, more platforms and ways to ease bottlenecks, all … Continue reading
Surrey County Council’s Leader has welcomed Government funding announced today as a first step towards long-term economic growth. Almost £50 million will go into schemes to boost Surrey businesses and transport links over the next six years following a Government announcement today on local Growth Deals through local enterprise partnerships (LEPs). David Hodge said: “We … Continue reading
Contracts worth more than £10 million have been clinched by local firms since Surrey County Council launched an online initiative just over a year ago. Deals totalling £10.3 million have been secured through http://www.buildsurrey.net created as part of the county council’s pledge to ensure 60% of its spending is with local businesses. That is the equivalent … Continue reading
The county council’s trading standards team has linked up with a national body to simplify rules for local shopkeepers and encourage economic growth. For more information, click here to visit the Association of Convenience Stores press release.
County council leader David Hodge has pledged continued backing for business after new figures revealed Surrey’s economy grew by 8% in a year – outstripping the rest of the UK. The amount Surrey generated for the nation’s economy climbed by £2.4 billion between 2011 and 2012 to more than £32bn, according to the Office for … Continue reading
A new scheme has been launched to promote economic growth and create jobs by attracting businesses to Surrey. Economic development company Surrey Connects has created the Invest in Surrey service with the support of Surrey County Council. It will provide a single point of contact for investors looking to move to the county from other … Continue reading
Surrey has won more than £2.8 million of government funding to tackle congestion and boost economic growth. Last year the county council and Reigate and Banstead Borough Council submitted a joint bid for a series of road improvements in Redhill town centre. It included plans to promote walking by improving pedestrian safety, encourage cycling and … Continue reading
Today’s Queen’s Speech was a shot in the arm for Surrey County Council according to leader David Hodge, who says the government’s vision matches his own in many ways. He said: “Last week the Surrey public gave us a vote of confidence for the work we’re doing and that was echoed when the government’s plans … Continue reading
Following Chancellor George Osborne’s Budget announcement today, Surrey County Council leader David Hodge said: “Slow economic growth and a frosty reception on Twitter will likely be on the Chancellor’s mind today. Conveniently, the answer to at least one of his woes can be found in Surrey. Despite the UK growth forecast halving, the county’s economy … Continue reading
A hit list of projects to ease congestion on Surrey’s roads and boost business has been revealed. Surrey Future has identified 16 major schemes to tackle bottlenecks and snarl-ups on Surrey’s overburdened roads in preparation for funding bids. The county’s A roads carry 66% more traffic than the national average, with congestion costing the national … Continue reading