Derby's mayor has hit back at the government after major road upgrades across the East Midlands face the axe. The council says schemes in Derby and Nottinghamshire are being shelved as central funding gets redirected to defence spending.
The decision strips millions from local infrastructure projects that councils had been counting on to ease congestion and support economic growth. Derby's leadership views the move as a betrayal of regional development promises, particularly given the area's reliance on these upgrades to connect communities and attract investment.
This funding shift reflects broader government budget reallocations. With defence spending climbing in response to geopolitical pressures, transport infrastructure budgets in England's regions are bearing the cuts. The East Midlands, already facing infrastructure gaps compared to wealthier southern regions, loses out disproportionately.
Local officials point to rising congestion costs and delayed economic projects. Nottinghamshire councils echo Derby's frustration, arguing these road improvements were essential for local business corridors and commuter routes.
The cuts underscore tensions between central government spending priorities and regional demands for infrastructure investment. While national defence concerns command political attention, local leaders stress that aging roads and transport bottlenecks undermine regional competitiveness and quality of life.
No timeline has been announced for when these schemes might be reconsidered or revived. The cancellations leave East Midlands councils scrambling to adjust local economic plans built around these transport upgrades.