Northern Economic Futures: Call for Evidence

The Northern Economic Futures Commission has been established to spearhead an ambitious programme of research and activity over the next 18 months to look at the critical issues facing the economy of the North and set out a new approach to local and regional economic policy, driven by decision-makers in the North of England.

The Commission is seeking evidence on the following eight key questions:

1. What can be learned from the past about the Northern economy and the ability of policymaking to shape it?
2. What should a successful Northern economy look like?
3. Where will economic growth come from?
4. How will a new phase of economic growth be financed?
5. How do we mobilise assets and capabilities for innovation and enterprise in the North of England?
6. What are the priorities for employment and skills in Northern labour markets?
7. What are the key priorities for transport, housing and other infrastructure challenges?
8. Does the North of England have the structures and powers it needs to drive growth?

Alongside this call for evidence, a series of regional roundtables will be held during September 2011. These will be open meetings where participants can debate key commission themes with groups of commissioners.