To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what funding he plans to allocate to support improvements in the transport network in Tyne and Wear.

We’ve already announced major reforms to transport that will benefit areas across the whole country, supporting cities and communities to fulfil their potential and improve pride of place. The government is delivering major investment in flagship transport infrastructure which seeks to support our plans to Build Back Better, building upon the significant commitments we have already made to the North East so far, including the £198m from the Transforming Cities Fund for local transport improvements. As the Chancellor announced this week, Nexus are set to receive £210m of funding for new trains over the Spending Review period, to improve journeys for passengers.

The North East will also be eligible for the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements once appropriate governance is in place. The Government is ready to work with the North East Combined Authorities and local authorities to deliver a new devolution deal that will unlock CRSTS funding. In the meantime, the existing commitments on the Transforming Cities Fund and core local authority transport funding continue to be met.