“Boost growth with better transport links” – council writes to government

Council urges government to use the Autumn Budget to invest in transport links and unlock new homes, create jobs and connect some of London’s least-served areas.

In a letter to the Secretary of State for Transport and the Chancellor, Brent council pushed for the Government to prioritise funding for the Bakerloo line upgrade and the proposed West London Orbital (WLO) Overground.

At a full council meeting on 15 September, Brent Council passed a motion confirming its “unequivocal support” for these two transformative transport schemes.

The council has already shown its commitment to the WLO, which would run from Cricklewood to Acton, Brentford and Hounslow, approving more than £460,000 and a £150,000 contingency from its Community Infrastructure Levy to help progress the project.

Leader of Brent Council, Cllr Muhammed Butt said:

"These once-in-a-generation projects will transform travel in Brent and across London, boosting the economy and cutting congestion.

“Upgrading the Bakerloo Line and creating a brand-new overground line linking Cricklewood to Acton and Hounslow would support the growth of vibrant communities across the borough.

“The West London Orbital line could carry up to 11.9 million passengers a year across four London boroughs, giving residents better access to jobs, services and would help curb car journeys across our city.

"We’re urging the Government to seize the opportunity in the Autumn Budget to unlock the economic potential of the West London Orbital and put trains on track."

Both schemes are recognised as high-priority transport projects which could boost the national economy. The Bakerloo Line upgrade would add capacity for 150,000 additional daily journeys, while the WLO would create a new sustainable rail link connecting growth areas across west and north-west London, including Old Oak Common and the HS2 interchange.

Brent Council said it would continue working closely with Transport for London, the West London Alliance and other partners to ensure local residents and businesses benefit from improved services, including lobbying for more step-free access across the borough’s stations.

Read the full letter from Cllr Muhammed Butt and Cllr Teo Benea

Read more on the WLO

Read more on the Bakerloo Line upgrade