The programme was first proposed in 2014 by then-Chancellor George Osborne. It has been subject to considerable changes in scope by governments ever since. It is considered vital to economies in northern England, long plagued by inadequate transport links across the country.
The NAO reviewed the programme between October 2025 and February 2026. In a summary of the , the office found that the Department for Transport (DfT) has now provided greater clarity over the programme. However, after more than a decade of constant change, further work is needed to ensure that the programme aligns with national and local growth plans.
The project鈥檚 success will require effective work between local and central government. The NAO also considered how DfT is learning from other programmes, and said that this work needs to continue.