Spending Review brings opportunities – and questions – for the North East
Date published:
By Chris Kelsey, Public Affairs Manager
The Chancellor’s Spending Review, unveiled on 11 June, may not carry the formal title of a Budget, yet its five-year outlook sets the framework that will guide government investment, jobs and growth until 2029.
For the North East, the headline is positive momentum. Many of the measures mirror the ideas we set out in our February submission. Affordable childcare, better buses and rail, and a fresh focus on post-16 skills all feature. Reinforcing further education is especially welcome, though we need practical timelines and funding routes.
Devolution also moves forward. The review promises greater freedom for devolved authorities, an expanded British Business Bank and clearer commitments on affordable homes. Taken together, these tools can unlock opportunity if they are applied with local insight rather than Whitehall caution.
One reform could be transformative. Changes to the Treasury Green Book should oblige officials to weigh regional needs more carefully when they assess value for money. For regions like ours, which have often lost out to historic spending patterns, this is long overdue.
The North East is already central to clean energy and advanced manufacturing, so measures that back net-zero add strength. Extending the Warm Homes Plan will cut bills and create supply-chain demand.
The £3 bus-fare freeze, continued Metro upgrades and extra council funds will make a daily difference, alongside expanded free school meals and winter-fuel help.
Winning these pledges is only the first half of the job. Delivery must follow promises, and local businesses will judge success on projects that break ground and people who gain skills and work.
The North East Chamber of Commerce will keep the pressure on, working with members, partners and stakeholders, so that every community sees real progress from this review.