Making the case for an autumn of ambition
Date published:
The Chamber’s latest column for The Journal by Callum George, policy adviser.
A fortnight ago, the Party Conferences marked the start of an incredibly busy political calendar for the North East. Next up is the Autumn Statement, and then elections in 2024 – both for a new regional Mayor and a national government.
The fact that we don’t know an exact timeframe for the general election means two things; that I don’t have to sell my soul to my work laptop quite yet, and we can’t overlook the importance of the Autumn Statement.
As a Chamber, we have a duty to represent our members, who have been clear in the amazing potential they see in our region. Following a summer of consultations, we have provided Chancellor Jeremy Hunt with a set of asks that we believe will shape a strategy for fair and necessary change that would benefit the North East.
Firstly, businesses see our region as a very capable leader when it comes to some of the most exciting, new industries.
From Northumberland to the Tees Valley, we’re seeing more investment from businesses in green initiatives. In spring, the government announced further funding to support this, but in order to make the most of this we are calling for an infrastructure strategy that will include improvements to the national grid.
What’s impressed me the most in just over a year at the Chamber is just how ambitious businesses are in the face of tough financial times. That’s why we want businesses to be supported to grow. Reforms to business rates and the Apprenticeship Levy would help achieve this, alongside training-related tax breaks, and improved funding for further education.
With that being said, for people to make the most of new opportunities businesses are providing, we need to see marked improvements when it comes to the North East’s transport infrastructure. We have been clear that more certainty is needed around what projects will be funded following the scrapping of HS2, and we will continue to champion the reopening of the Leamside Line, which would connect 100,000 more people to the rail and Metro network.
Lastly, the business community of the North East is passionate about ensuring everyone is able to enjoy working, learning, and living in our region. In real terms, this means creating accessible opportunities, addressing child poverty, compassionately supporting people into work, and so much more.
The Autumn Statement is a chance for the government to unlock new opportunities for our region that can match the ambitious, yet necessary, vision we at the Chamber and our members have for a stronger, fairer North East.
As always, we will welcome policies that will make a real difference in our region. Where they aren’t met, we will continue to represent and act in the best interests of the businesses and people that call the North East home.