Written question asked by Liam Byrne (Labour) on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 25 June 2026. It was answered by Simon Lightwood (Labour) on Monday, 29 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Transport and Unemployment

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the economic impact of transport connectivity investments in reducing unemployment in deprived areas.

Answer: The Department regularly considers how transport connectivity could support employment and is strengthening its related guidance and evidence. Recognising that the impact of connectivity on unemployment outcomes is very context-dependent, the Department is considering how greater weight in transport appraisal can be placed on those with lower incomes and is researching methodologies to quantify the benefits of lower structural unemployment from transport investments.

Secondary information