Northern leaders are calling for bold investment to unlock the region’s economic potential.
Ahead of the Chancellor’s Budget, a coalition known as The Great North has sent a joint letter demanding major infrastructure upgrades, business support reform, and action to tackle child poverty.
The group is urging full delivery of Northern Powerhouse Rail, including a new Liverpool-to-Manchester line via Manchester Airport and central Bradford, upgrades to the Hope Valley route, and reopening the Leamside Line to improve connectivity across the North.
Kim McGuinness, North East Mayor and chair of The Great North, said: "The North of England has to be at the vanguard of the Government's mission to unlock the growth the country and communities badly need.
"That's why we're calling on the Government to make game-changing investment in our infrastructure and wholesale reform of business support so we can unleash the potential of people and businesses."
The letter also calls for a new funding settlement, devolved powers, and a reformed business support model focused on entrepreneurship and long-term growth.
Leaders are also urging the Government to lift the two-child benefit cap, which they say would lift 100,000 children in the North out of poverty and give young people a fairer start.
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