Government funding for the proposed Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) has not been scrapped by the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Rachel Reeves has axed a string of schemes this afternoon (July 29) amid a £22 billion “black hole” in accounts left by the previous government.

It was speculated the LTC, which will connect Kent and Essex via a new tunnel under the River Thames, was to be among those measures tabled.

However, the Chancellor did not mention the £9 billion scheme in her parliamentary speech.

Instead, she axed two major transport projects - the A303 Stonehenge scheme and A27 Chichester bypass - quoting if “we cannot afford it, we cannot do it”.

Speaking to KentOnline before the announcement, the leader of Dartford council, Cllr Jeremy Kite (Con) said to cancel or delay the project would have been a “betrayal” to the area.

He said: “It is so important. The truth is there is no doubt about it, it is needed.

“We know this is a worthwhile project to complete. It would be the most extraordinary betrayal.”

The ward councillor for Longfield, New Barn and Southfleet, said the impact of such a decision would have been felt by businesses which are already finding it hard to operate in the region and by Dartford residents.

He added: “The congestion we face every day is not caused by local people, it is caused by the M25 not being up for the job.

“The Labour Party has said it wants to grow the economy. If it wants to say that, it needs to provide the backdrop and infrastructure for it.

“The Lower Thames Crossing is essential.”

The chief executive of the business development service, Locate in Kent, Nick Fenton, spoke following the Chancellor’s speech.

He said: “We welcome the fact that, despite the speculation over the weekend, a decision has yet to be taken on the future of the Lower Thames Crossing.

“With the government committing to a budget in October that will prioritise growth, it is vital that the capital investment is found to progress this much-needed project.

“Giving the go-ahead to Lower Thames Crossing, the biggest and most important infrastructure project for Kent and Medway in a generation, would recognise the strategic importance of Kent and Medway to UK trade as the gateway to Europe and have an important part to play in ensuring the long-term health and success of the economy both regionally and nationwide.”

Earlier this year, Cllr Kite urged the government to press on with the huge road project despite the growing concerns over the cost of construction.

Speaking on the Kent Politics Podcast, he said: “My message to my government is ‘for heaven’s sake, just get this underway; let’s start’.

“I do not know why it has taken so long; for the Victorians, it would have been a no-brainer.”

The project has faced several setbacks with the decision on its planning application recently being pushed back because of the general election.

The 14-mile road plan was set to be considered on June 20, by the government, however, it was delayed until October 4.

New Labour MP for Dartford, Jim Dickson, wrote to Transport Secretary Louise Haigh at the end of last week stressing the importance of the new crossing.

The letter said: “In the ensuing 14 years of the Conservative government, with seemingly endless planning delays, the issues have become far worse, limiting growth across Kent and Essex, affecting the lives of my constituents and putting a handbrake on the British economy.

“There is, as you will be aware, a solution to this issue that has been developed in detail, with many rounds of consultation and is waiting for your department’s approval and consent - the Lower Thames Crossing.

“I am writing to urge your department to grant consent to the Lower Thames Crossing on October 4 so there can be spades in the ground in this parliament and the people of Dartford see Labout delivering for them.”

The scheme was also discussed at a Dartford council meeting where Cllr Kyle Stealey (Con) called for a cross-party, united front to get the crossing delivered.

He said: “This is about Dartford, not the council.”

Cllr Danny Nicklen (Con) agreed, adding: “We cannot keep going round and round in circles with more consultations. Just get on with the job. We desperately need it in Dartford.”

Gravesham council, however, has continually reiterated its opposition to the proposed site of the controversial scheme saying it is in the “wrong” place.

The project has been on the map for 15 years and cost around £300 million so far.

More than a decade on from when it was first suggested, no physical work has been completed.