Member Article

Government aims to reaffirm commitment to Northern Powerhouse

New Northern Powerhouse minister Andrew Percy and Commercial Secretary to the Treasury Lord O’Neill will tour Northern cities today as the government attempts to reaffirm its commitment to building a Northern Powerhouse.

With economic uncertainty at the forefront of many minds in the wake of Brexit, coupled with further disruption brought about by new PM Theresa May’s Cabinet reshuffle, the government’s domestic plan to rebalance the economy has come under much scrutiny of late, with speculation and growing apprehension rife amongst the business community.

Yet the government is keen for the new ministers, tasked with driving forward Powerhouse work, to show that the project remains high on the agenda.

Today Andrew Percy, the Yorkshireman who replaced former leader James Wharton, will visit Hull, Manchester and Liverpool to hear for himself how devolving greater power from Whitehall to Town Halls and greater investment is already leading to the creation of jobs and stronger economic growth.

Northern Powerhouse Minister Andrew Percy said: “Building the Northern Powerhouse is a long-term government priority and central to our plans to rebalance the economy.

“As a proud Northerner, I am determined to ensure that people in every part of the North – from large cities to small rural communities – enjoy greater control over their lives and stronger, more sustainable economic growth.

“That’s why this government will continue to support major investments to unlock the potential of the North and ensure that every area benefits from a growing economy.”

Commercial Secretary to the Treasury Jim O’Neill added: “Making our great northern towns and cities a powerhouse for the economy once again is the reason I joined government, and there is evidence everywhere you look that our plans have already made a real impact.

“It is fantastic to be able to continue to champion the Northern Powerhouse within the very heart of government and there will be no let-up in our commitment to fuel the local economy through encouraging foreign investment, improving transport and creating new jobs.

“We know that our model to pull the region together is working, and we want other great regions across the country to consider how this approach could benefit them.”

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