Jake also welcomes boost to ‘powerhouse’ role

ROSSENDALE MP Jake Berry has welcomed a ‘strengthening’ of the Government’s commitment to his role as Northern Powerhouse minister.

It comes after the Prime Minister Theresa May confirmed that a new joint ministerial appointment is being made, shared between the Ministry of Housing Communities & Local Government and the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy.

They say it will see Mr Berry’s oversight as Northern Powerhouse Minister boosted to improve its impact for people and communities across the country. The appointment comes ahead of a refreshed Northern Powerhouse Strategy, due to be published later this year, bringing together the Government, northern businesses and local leaders with a renewed focus on growth.

Mr Berry said: “At the heart of the Northern Powerhouse is an unshakeable partnership between business, communities and government. I’m delighted to accept this new appointment and I’m grateful to the Prime Minister for the unwavering support she has given to the Northern Powerhouse. We are on the cusp of a new era for the North with our modern Industrial Strategy boosting economic growth, supporting advanced manufacturing and creating the right economic conditions to make the Northern Powerhouse one of the most competitive, business-friendly regions not just in the UK but in the world.”

Communities Secretary the Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP, said: “With this broadened would be consulting on the new prosperity fund and was ‘committed to getting this right’.

She also pointed to previous comments by Mr Berry, in which he said: “The north now has 50% of its people covered by devolution.

“To truly release the ministerial role, the Government has cemented its long-term commitment to the Northern Powerhouse.

“In Jake Berry, the Government has a Minister who has worked tirelessly with the Metro Mayors and our partners in the public and private sectors to drive growth, investment and job potential of the Northern Powerhouse we must seek to bring devolution to the whole of the Northern Powerhouse.

“It’s only by returning the power, money and influence back to the peoples of the north that we can do this.” creation throughout the North. As we look to the future - including the Borderlands Growth Deal and the second phase of the Grimsby Town Deal - the Government has an empowered Minister ready to roll up their sleeves and deliver for the Northern Powerhouse and local communities across the country.”