Northern Powerhouse minister given boost by departing Theresa May
The Northern Powerhouse minister Jake Berry has been given extra responsibility and powers.
And the departing Theresa May says the move underlines the government’s to the initiative.
The Northern Powerhouse was originally set up by the then Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne.
Many believe that the initiative has fallen out of favour with the current regime and has lost some of its early impetus.
But Theresa May has moved to give her backing to the Northern Powerhouse in her final days in power.
She has confirmed that a new joint ministerial appointment is being made for the Rossendale and Darwen MP.
The joint ministerial position, shared between the Ministry of Housing Communities & Local Government and the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy, will see the Northern Powerhouse Minister’s oversight and coordination of local economic growth boosted to improve its impact for people and communities across the country.
It will also ensure key policies such as the £1.6bn Stronger Towns Fund and the Northern Powerhouse are at the heart of delivering the Government’s industrial strategy.
The appointment comes ahead of a refreshed Northern Powerhouse Strategy, due to be published later this year.
Jake Berry said: “At the heart of the Northern Powerhouse is an unshakeable partnership between business, communities and government.
“We’re investing more into transport in the North than any other Government in history, and with nearly 50% of the North represented by Metro Mayors, a Northern Powerhouse economy worth over £339bn, and now, with an expanded, cross-governmental ministerial position, that partnership is stronger than ever.
“I’m delighted to accept this new appointment and I’m grateful to the Prime Minister for the unwavering support she has given to the Northern Powerhouse.
“We are on the cusp of a new era for the North with our modern Industrial Strategy boosting economic growth, supporting advanced manufacturing and creating the right economic conditions to make the Northern Powerhouse one of the most competitive, business-friendly regions not just in the UK but in the world.”
