This is a big moment for the campaign. In the Autumn Budget on 28 October, Chancellor John Healey singled out the Bakerloo line extension as exactly the kind of project new devolved powers are designed to deliver. Under the plans, City Hall could keep more of London’s taxes, opening up, for the first time, a realistic way to fund the extension.
Why it matters
The new funding powers could finally give London a way to pay for the Bakerloo line extension, a project that has been held back for years by the question of who would fund it. Extending the line from Elephant and Castle via Old Kent Road to Lewisham and Hayes would bring the Tube to some of London’s most deprived and poorly connected areas, unlocking new homes, jobs and investment. The project has rare cross-party support and is a priority in the Mayor’s London Growth Plan.
To make the extension possible, the line first needs an upgrade. Its trains are more than 50 years old and urgently need replacing, and a new fleet would also mean faster, more frequent journeys for everyone who uses the Bakerloo line today.
What local leaders are saying
Cllr James McAsh, Leader of Southwark Council and Chair of Central London Forward, said:
“It’s great news to see support for the Bakerloo Line Extension in the Budget. Our communities from Elephant & Castle, through Old Kent Road to Lewisham and Hayes have been left off the Tube map for too long.
“It would support more than 60,000 new homes, 9,700 jobs and £19bn in additional GDP, a boost that would be felt across London and the whole country.”
Liam Shrivastava, Mayor of Lewisham, said:
“It’s about tackling a historic transport inequality that has held communities back for too long. Young people in the south of Lewisham shouldn’t have fewer opportunities simply because of where they live.
“Extending the Bakerloo line all the way to Hayes would change that, connecting people to employment, skills and opening up possibilities for generations to come.”
We’re not over the line yet
Both the upgrade and the extension still need a firm commitment and funding from the Treasury. We’ll keep making the case until the first train runs to Lewisham and beyond, and we’ll keep you updated along the way.
The Bakerloo extension in the news
- Watch the announcement on ITV News https://www.linkedin.com/posts/southwark-council_its-great-news-to-see-support-for-the-bakerloo-activity-7521969143131066368-VKi8
- What London’s new tax powers could mean for infrastructure funding | London Centric
- London’s Bakerloo Tube line could be extended – here’s where it will go | The Independent
- Bakerloo line extension gets Budget boost from local tax powers | Ian Visits
- London’s Bakerloo Tube line is finally getting an extension | Metro
More than 30,000 residents and businesses have signed up to Back the Bakerloo, and year after year you’ve kept the case for the upgrade and extension in front of decision-makers. Your backing is a big part of why the extension to Lewisham and Hayes is now closer than it has ever been. We’ll keep you updated on what you can do to help us get the upgrade and extension over the line.