Northern growth to be centrepiece of Autumn Statement
CHANCELLOR George Osborne has pledged to make his commitment to the North the centrepiece of his Autumn Statement.
Speaking at the launch of the One North report – which proposes £15bn of transport improvements for the North – Mr Osborne promised, “new money, new infrastructure, new transport and new science. And real new civic power too”.
He added: “This will be a centrepiece of my Autumn Statement – and part of our long term economic plan for the country.”
The Chancellor first floated the idea of a “Northern powerhouse” in June, saying the regions would thrive on better connections between cities, science investment and devolved powers.
He wants city regions to embrace London-style “metro mayors” which would replace the city mayors present in areas such as Salford and Liverpool.
Mr Osborne also set out the “pathway to the powerhouse”. This will involve the Government working on the various parts of the One North report, and in September Chief Scientist Mark Walport will respond to the Chancellor’s request for ideas for major new science in the North.
In October, Sir David Higgins will deliver his report on the Northern phase of HS2, including initial options for a cross-Pennine fast rail link – an HS3. And in November the Chancellor will set out his proposals for a major devolution of civic power and responsibilities for cities with elected mayors.
According to Treasury figures the Northern economy could be worth an extra £44bn in real terms if it grows in line with the wider UK economy over the next 18 years. In the previous 18 years it has lagged behind, averaging 3.9% a year against 4.4%.
