Video: Budget 2012: George Osborne announces end to 'neglect' of northern England railways As Chancellor George Osborne presented the 2012 Budget to the House of Commons he said he was addressing years of underinvestment in transport infrastructure in northern England. "Network Rail will extend the Northern Hub, adding to the electrification of the Transpennine rail route, by upgrading the Hope Valley line between Manchester and Sheffield - and improving the Manchester to Preston and Blackpool, and Manchester to Bradford lines," Mr Osborne said. He added: "For years, transport investment in the north of England was neglected. Not under this Coalition Government. We are working with our great cities to devolve decision-making powers - and we are striking a ground-breaking deal with Manchester to support £1.2 billion in growth-enhancing infrastructure.