THE Government needs to slash red tape in order to allow transport chiefs to invest in key infrastructure improvements in the region.

Left-leaning think tank IPPR North said the organisation Transport for the North needed to be given similar powers to that of Transport for London, which is responsible for the London Underground along with co-ordinating rail and bus services in the capital.

Transport for the North was set up to transform the transport system across the North and is a partnership between elected politicians and business leaders.

However it has yet to be given statutory status by the Government, although an application was made last year.

IPPR North said Transport for the North was being prevented from attracting private investment for infrastructure.

It suggested an east-west HS3 rail project could be at the heart of a Northern industrial strategy.

In its own General Election manifesto the think tank set out a four-point plan for all parties to boost the economy.

It said the North could also lead a “clean energy revolution”, helping to meet decarbonisation targets and making the North a world leader in green energy.

IPPR North also revealed plans for a “Taking Back Control Commission” to explore the balance of power in the UK and the North of England in particular.

Ed Cox, director of IPPR North, said: “Investment in infrastructure will help boost Northern productivity in the national interest – Northern prosperity is national prosperity.”