In brief

BUDGET QUERY

AN MP has questioned the government on why the Northern Powerhouse was not part of the budget statement.

Graham Jones, MP for Hyndburn, asked the leader of the House of Commons, David Lidlington, when the ‘cornerstone’ policy will be debated.

He said: “The northern powerhouse is supposedly a cornerstone of Government policy, but it was not mentioned in yesterday’s Budget statement.

“When are the Government going to facilitate a debate on the northern powerhouse, so that we can talk about the most significant project that needs to be completed: the M65 east-west extension between Preston and Leeds?”

Mr Lidlington responded: “I am glad the hon. gentleman has raised the northern powerhouse, because the Government have set out a northern powerhouse strategy to boost productivity throughout the north of England.

“The next steps include moves on the northern powerhouse schools strategy; more than half a billion pounds of local growth fund allocation; the upgrading of transport infrastructure in the north; and further science and innovation audits.”