Government backs 2050 vision for the Thames Estuary

A funding package to drive forward growth in the Thames Estuary has been unveiled to create jobs, build new homes and boost local economic growth.In its response to the Thames Estuary 2050 Growth Commission’s 2018 report, the government backs the commission’s plans to create 1.3 million jobs and generate an extra £190bn for the local economy.Communities secretary James Brokenshire also put forward a number of new measures as part of a wider government support to realise the 2050 growth vision for the Thames Estuary. These include a commitment to give:- £1m to establish a new Thames Estuary Growth Board oversee and drive economic growth plans for the area- £4.85m to support local partners to develop low-cost proposals for enhancing transport services between Abbey Wood and Ebbsfleet- a cabinet-level ministerial champion will be appointed to act as an advocate and critical friend for the region within government will also be appointed