Ahmad details TfN information

Transport for the North (TfN) membership is drawn from the North’s combined and local authorities and Local Enterprise Partnership leaders, working in partnership with the Government, Network Rail, Highways England and HS2 Ltd, Transport Minister Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon said in a Lords Written Answer to Lord Greaves on December 16.

TfN was established by the Government with Northern leaders in October 2014. Its governance framework is outlined in the Principles for Governing the Relationship between TfN and the Department for Transport document, which is available on the TfN website.

TfN Chairman John Cridland is the only Board member receiving remuneration - he receives £30,000 a year for a commitment of 30 days a year. He was appointed by TfN with the agreement of the Transport Secretary, following an open competition and interview process. The appointment is for an initial two years, and can be extended for up to a further four years.

Building on the Summer Budget commitment to provide funding to TfN, the Government is committing a total of £50 million (£10m per annum) over this Parliament. This will enable TfN to build its capacity and capability, to recruit the staff it needs, and to continue planning better rail and roads to deliver the Government’s ambitious programme for a Northern Powerhouse.

This figure is in addition to the £8.5m already provided by DfT and up to £4m committed by the members of TfN.

Following the recent appointments of the chief executive and chairman, the recruitment process for both permanent and temporary staff is now under way. TfN is based at temporary premises in Manchester until a permanent location is agreed.