In the 2019 election, the conservatives won seats in the South Yorkshire area that had never been won before.
But what was different this time around for locals in this area?
Boris Johnson’s “levelling up” campaign was a promise for any areas who felt they had been left behind to gain equal social and economic standards.
This targeted operation was labelled by the PM this month as “the greatest project that any government can embark on.”
He added: “We have one of the most imbalanced societies and lopsided economies of all the richer countries and there are aching gaps between the regions in the country.”
Although this was suggested in 2019, funding figures have been released only this week by Rishi Sunak for what the North of England will receive.
According to Mr Sunak, “The funding is specifically for investing in ambitious local plans aimed at empowering local communities, boosting living standards, spreading opportunity, improving public services and restoring local pride.”
In terms of transport, South Yorkshire is expected to receive £570mil, starting a supertram renewal project and installing a “Dutch-style” roundabout in the town centre of Barnsley.
Delphine Young, a second year University of Sheffield student, said that the transport system and funding to the north leaves residents at a disadvantage. She said “The HS2, if followed through, means people can have the opportunity to work in London and still live in their area of choice, whilst commuting cheaply, without a car. It expands the London talent pool to not just privileged people born and raised in the areas most popular for work.”
Alex Williams, originally from North London, studying in Sheffield, said the buses here were “unreliable and don’t facilitate every direction you may need within the city, as opposed to London’s ever-growing tube system.”
Transport For London (TFL) and Crossrail are currently building another line named the Elizabeth line, to run between Paddington and Abbey Wood, adding to their £1.6bill transport system.
The campaign of “levelling up”, excluding London’s concerns, is supposed to bring equality and financial aid to those areas, like South Yorkshire that need it most.
