Learning from the past: NEFC briefing paper no 1
Article
The prevailing narrative about the economic performance of the North contrasts the dominance of the prosperous and powerful Greater South East with the lagging regions of the North West, North East and Yorkshire and the Humber.
Despite a determined programme of work and investment in the North made by RDAs and their partners, a gradual evolution of the institutional framework towards more decentralised arrangements, and a benign economic environment, the headline figures remained stubbornly fixed. Between 2000 and 2008, while the annual rate of growth in GVA in the northern regions was a healthy 4.6 per cent, it was still below the England and UK averages of 5.2 per cent.
The assessment of this performance is contested. For some, the story of the last decade was one of failure: the gap in performance barely shifted and longstanding challenges persist. For others, however, the story of the last decade is one of unfinished business. As other parts of the North struggled through the recession, key economic centres have shown considerable resilience and are significantly better positioned for recovery than they were after previous downturns.
Related items
Harry Quilter-Pinner reacts to the Budget on GB News
Interim executive director Harry Quilter-Pinner reacts to the Budget with Jacob Rees Mogg on GB NewsZoë Billingham reacts to the Budget 2024 on Sky News
Zoë Billingham reacts to the Budget 2024 on Sky News live from Grimsby.Second round effects: Why the OBR is likely underestimating the growth effects of public investment
The Office for Budgetary Responsibility has outlined a new approach to modelling the growth impacts of public investment.