North East business community seeks clarity over devolution deal

In a joint statement, the CBI, North East of England Chamber of Commerce (NEECC), EEF, Federation of Small Businesses and the Entrepreneurs Forum have called for clarity from local and central government on what will happen now after local authorities failed to reach an agreement on the North East Devolution deal.

The joint statement says: “It’s more important than ever that growth and opportunity reaches all parts and all people in the UK. Increasing productivity outside London and the South East will help spread prosperity more widely.

“Businesses of all sizes and sectors across the North East know that devolution, if implemented well, is an important enabler of regional economic growth. Other parts of the UK have pursued this in recent years and are showing it can work.

“Therefore we need to urgently assess and understand the implications of this decision by working with both local and central governments to ensure opportunities are not lost.”

The statement is signed by:

Sarah Glendinning, regional director of CBI North East, James Ramsbotham, chief executive, NEECC, Liz Mayes – regional director, EEF, Simon Hanson – development manager, FSB, Gillian Marshall – chief executive, Entrepreneurs Forum