CBI calls for regional growth strategy
Businesses bosses in the North East are calling on the Government to follow through on Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s claims to want to ‘level up’ regions in the UK.
The CBI wants to see the creation of an independent board to decide devolution deals, set up a Council of Mayors – chaired by the Prime Minister – to steer priorities and shape future devolution and develop a clear framework for devolution in order to remove uncertainty for areas seeking a devolution deal.
The CBI believes this will ‘ignite a new era of economic prosperity’ and is keen to build upon recent momentum including speeches by the Prime Minister.
It says three key steps are needed to kickstart English devolution:
1 – Develop and publish a clear framework for devolution so that local leaders understand what powers government are willing to consider devolving.
2 – Optimise Westminster and Whitehall for devolution including buy-in and support from Treasury.
3- Deliver new deals to cover 60% of the English population and streamline local government by championing unitary authorities
CBI regional director for the North East, Sarah Glendinning said: “Now is time to work with business to set out plans to further devolve powers and unlock regional growth. This change will turbo charge our economy and ignite a new era of economic prosperity in the North East.
“It is time the Prime Minister harnesses devolution and runs with it. If he does the CBI will support him every step of the way. Everyone knows that productivity is a key driver of wage growth and standards.”