Improving intra-regional rail links to unblock congestion is key to boosting productivity in the East of England, a new report has claimed.

Financial experts KPMG published a UK productivity report ahead of the autumn Budget which found the region was a leader when it came to innovation, but the increase in home grown business, and the influx of new joiners, has put increasing pressure on the region's roads, demand for housing and on human resources.

The East was highlighted for its innovative technology sector, but the report said connectivity required improvement.

Steve Muncey, who heads up KPMG's office in Norwich, said: 'The East of England ranks top three in the list of most productive UK regions and our local economy continues to grow, however the lack of really good infrastructure seriously hinders our ability to reach our full potential.'