The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) is set to invest a record £380 million into delivering real change in the region in buses, jobs, and the environment, over the coming financial year.
The MCA, led by Mayor Dan Norris, is set to enjoy a 62% increase in grant income this year. Some of the new investment secured from the new government includes additional grant awards for better buses and extra cash to get young people into work or training through the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer Pilot.
Dan Norris, the Mayor of the West of England, said:
“Over the last year, my Mayoral Combined Authority has delivered on the people’s priorities. We’ve opened another new train station, launched local bus services run by local people, and extended the popular Birthday Buses offer to give everyone another month of free bus travel.
“I am proud to lead the region, and even prouder that the region leads the way on so much. The West of England has launched the country’s first Local Nature Recovery Strategy, and my Mayoral Combined Authority has invested the first £10 million into a new £100 million Green Growth West Impact Fund.
“This balanced budget looks to put the West of England onto a strong footing, continuing our prudent fiscal management and major investments into projects that will create jobs and improve lives in our region. The additional £127.5 million secured for the West will help deliver chapter change over the years to come. We’ve got money for the region, it’s time to invest it in the region.”