Mike Blackburn, chairman of the Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership, has responded to the Government’s 2017 Autumn Budget. He said:
“We welcome the opportunity to work alongside Government on a local industrial strategy that will support a long term vision for growth, based on robust evidence and focused on raising productivity and earning power in Greater Manchester.
“Through co-operation between national Government and the private sector, local leadership and key institutions, we are confident that this devolved approach will further support our work to boost skills and achieve growth by accurately reflecting the region’s unique strengths and ambitions.
“Achieving the ambitions of the Northern Powerhouse depends largely upon securing enhanced transport links to and within Greater Manchester and the additional funding of £243m from the Transforming Cities Fund will support us in moving another step closer to that goal. By identifying measures to tackle local transport issues, including reducing congestion and supporting the expansion of cycling, we can make a real difference to the lives of people in Greater Manchester.
“We welcome the Government’s recent commitment to spending £300m towards ensuring HS2 infrastructure can accommodate future Northern Powerhouse and Midlands rail services and now await confirmation that the substantial funding necessary to unlock the full potential of the Northern Powerhouse will be made available.”