Northern prosperity is national prosperity: NEFC interim report

Article

In this interim report, the Northern Economic Futures Commission (NEFC) makes the case for a much clearer focus on the North in economic policymaking. It argues that the longstanding structural challenges facing the North of England are entrenched by systemic factors that inhibit its long-term growth potential, and contends that it is not in the long-term interests of the UK as a whole for this lack of focus to persist.

NEFC chair Geoff Muirhead says:

'Our case is neither anti-south, anti-Scotland, nor a simplistic plea for fairness. On the contrary, the rationale for a clearer northern focus is an economic and not a social one, a national and not a parochial one.'

The NEFC's interim report lays out five propositions about the northern economy:

  1. Northern prosperity is national prosperity
  2. The North of England holds huge potential for growth
  3. There are structural challenges facing the North
  4. The North must be seen as an interconnected metro-region
  5. Northern economic development needs bolder northern leadership and autonomy

And proposes five pillars for growth, which also frame the commission's next areas of investigation and the recommendations to appear in its final report:

  1. Innovation and business growth
  2. Human capital
  3. Infrastructure
  4. Investment
  5. Institutions

Related items

  1. Doctor with patient for consultation, medical advice or procedure at clinic

    Taken to heart: Inequalities in heart disease in Scotland

    More than 7.6 million people across the UK live with cardiovascular disease (CVD), around twice as many as live with Alzheimer’s disease and cancer combined. 
  2. A beautiful sunset in the Scottish highlands with renewable energy wind turbines far into the horizon

    Skills passports: An essential part of a fair transition

    This month, government will publish its Clean Energy Workforce Strategy. This plan covers two aims. First, filling the growing demand for skills in clean energy industries is essential to keep on track to reach the government’s clean power…
  3. The Bank of England is watched over by a statue of the Duke of Wellington seated on his horse

    Fixing the leak: How to end the £22 billion annual taxpayer losses at the Bank of England

    The Bank of England increased its interest rates over recent years, aimed at reducing inflation. But this has also had an unintended effect on the Bank of England’s massive government bond buying – ‘quantitative easing’ – programme.