Business makes plea Budget plea for North

BUSINESSES in the North want to see momentum behind the Northern Powerhouse agenda continue full steam ahead – but have demanded more power and cash be prised from the grip of central Government.

In the first analysis of business attitudes to Chancellor George Osborne’s agenda for a stronger Northern economy, IPPR North conducted detailed surveying, interviews and roundtables with firms from across the North West, North East and Yorkshire and Humber.

The findings came after Jim O’Neill’s first speech as a Treasury Minister at the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce on Thursday evening.

O’Neill was appointed by Osborne in May to drive the Northern Powerhouse agenda through the Treasury.

He said plans to improve transport in the North could be announced in the Budget. The speech followed the Government announcing a ‘pause’ on rail upgrade schemes in the North.

Director of IPPR North Ed Cox said: “Northern businesses have overwhelming embraced the Northern Powerhouse agenda and welcome the fact central Government is finally ‘talking up’ the North.

“But despite its remarkable popularity, the Northern Powerhouse must go beyond its current guise as a brand. Bosses told us they want to see a more radical devolution of powers and funding over key economic issues, such as transport, infrastructure and business rates.

“This means the Powerhouse can go forward full steam ahead, ensuring Northern prosperity can create national prosperity.

“But there are substantial risks to the project, from the inevitable focus on London and Scotland, to the continued squeeze on public spending. The Budget is a prime opportunity to signal the extent of the Government’s ambition and put its money where its mouth is.”