Increased devolved powers can drive stronger, fairer growth
Date published:
The Chamber’s latest column for The Journal by Marianne O’Sullivan, policy manager.
Ahead of the general election, the Chamber has been publishing our five key asks to all political parties to create a stronger, fairer North East.
We know from our work on the Local Skills Improvement Plans that businesses need the right skills in the region to grow their firms. We are calling for any new government to address the long-term funding concerns further education has faced; whilst incentivising businesses to upskill and reskill their staff through Apprenticeship Levy reform, and training-related tax breaks.
We are also focused on creating the conditions for growth in the region. We are asking for business rates reform and stable funding for public services which support the private sector productivity.
We have pushed for more support for businesses to trade internationally and to help successful exporters reach new markets.
Devolution presents a key opportunity for the whole of the North East to attract investment, especially in growth sectors such as the green economy. We are asking for increased devolved powers and investment funds for the region’s combined authorities to drive stronger, fairer growth.
Child poverty is a key issue for the region, we have asked for a focus on reducing child poverty by breaking down barriers to work including ill health, poor local transport links and lack of childcare.
We saw these messages reflected in the British Chambers of Commerce’s Global Annual Conference in London last week, which focused on the themes of people and work, green innovation, global Britain, the digital revolution and local economy of the future.
Speakers included Meta’s head of global business group Lady Nicola Mendelsohn CBE and the Shadow Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds. They discussed the role of AI in the economy and the need for stability for businesses.
More locally, the new North East mayor Kim McGuinness reflected on similar themes at her speech at the Insights North East conference in Sunderland. She highlighted the need for increased devolved powers to allow local leaders to work with businesses and communities to create change.
Mayor McGuinness also highlighted the importance of reducing child poverty in the region as a key goal, along with the need for improved bus links, as well as creating jobs in retrofitting and the creative sector, with the Crown Works site coming to region.
At the Chamber’s Business Awards last week, sponsors Bernicia highlighted the potential of devolution for the social housing sector and for the North East as a whole to attract investment and create well paid jobs here.
We know how vibrant, innovative and resilient our business community is. We will use the opportunity of devolution to make the region the best possible place to live, work and do business.