Malcolm's Story

Malcolm, 38, from Rugby in the West Midlands, represents thousands of transport workers sidelined by Westminster's investment choices. Despite his skills and experience, Malcolm watches as transport infrastructure projects that could transform his region remain unfunded. The Department for Transport's own analysis reveals per-capita spending in the West Midlands is a fraction of the national average, with investment concentrated in London and the South East. Engineers and construction workers exist in the region right now, many out of work. The steel and concrete are available. What prevented the spending was HM Treasury's doctrine that public investment must be rationed as though government were a household. This episode examines how political choices in Whitehall leave communities like Rugby disconnected. Recorded October 2024. Views expressed are those of contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of the producers.