Press Release

The Northern Way Calls For A New Drive For Regional Growth

The Northern Way today (June 20) called on Government to strengthen its proposals to support economic development and regeneration in the regions.
 
Responding to the Sub-National Review (SNR) consultation, the partnership called for Government to ensure that central resources supported regional priorities. It also published new proposals to strengthen the influence of the northern regions over Whitehall spending decisions.
 
Neville Chamberlain, Chairman of the Northern Way Steering Group, said: “The Sub-National Review is good news for the North and we welcome its proposals which clarify responsibilities and create conditions to support the growth of the North’s economy.”
 
He added that partners across the North are well placed to deliver the challenges of the SNR, through greater coordination between local and regional authorities. But Government needs to go further in some areas to realise the North’s ambitions for economic prosperity. These areas include:
 
simplifying arrangements for integrating economic development, planning, transport and housing strategies
taking greater responsibility in delivering the priorities set out in regional strategies
supporting an efficient process for delivering integrated regional strategies
developing a comprehensive approach to regional funding allocations
focusing more on city regions, bringing together local partners across administrative boundaries
extending regional funding allocations into new areas such as skills and all aspects of transport – expanding their coverage from 1.5% of central government spending, towards 10%.
 
The Northern Way response argues that ‘The key now is to ensure greater momentum towards effective delivery, on a basis that reflects regional and local diversity and can make a genuine difference to regional economic performance in a more challenging environment’.
 
The Northern Way Steering Group has agreed proposals for the next step in devolved decision-making. The group brings together all three regions, business leaders, local government leaders from all three main parties and the chairs of the three regional development agencies.
 
As well as proposals to strengthen and extend the Government’s existing approach, the Northern Way response also highlights the progress being made across the North to deliver stronger partnerships for growth.
 
Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “The Northern Way has set out a compelling vision for the economic growth of the North, alongside practical proposals to align national, regional and local resources.”
 
Andrew Carter, Leader of the Conservative Group on Leeds City Council, said: “We are making huge progress in strengthening city region partnerships across the North, working across boundaries and political parties to deliver greater economic prosperity. The Northern Way proposals would mean more decisions taken in the North, for the North.”
 
John Shipley, Leader of Newcastle City Council, commented: “Despite good progress in recent years, communities across the North still require sustained investment from both the public and private sectors. The Northern Way proposals set out in its response to the consultation would help to create a new momentum towards devolution and reinforce our local commitment to work in collaboration.”
 
Speaking on behalf of the northern regional development agencies, Margaret Fay, One NorthEast Chairman, said: “Our record of partnership across the North means we are well placed to deliver the vision of the Sub-National Review. The RDAs are committed to helping the regions secure strong and effective Integrated Regional Strategies, which help deliver our aspirations for housing, transport and economic prosperity.”
 
 Click here for SNR Response