State of the North 2018: Reprioritising the Northern Powerhouse

Article

The north of England has rarely faced such threat and opportunity. Brexit looms; budgets in essential NHS and council services are at breaking point. The world’s major, long-term challenges – globalisation, climate change, AI, automation and an ageing population – continue to test the North’s energy and innovation.

There are opportunities: new infrastructure – long promised – could soon be brought forward; industrial strategy could support the North’s world-leading frontier industries to innovate and advance; new and established mayors can consolidate city-region leadership across the North. These opportunities need to be taken but many more need to be created in the years ahead.

This is IPPR North’s fifth annual State of the North report. As the Northern Powerhouse takes on new life but faces unprecedented challenges, we set out five priorities for northern leaders to take this important agenda into a new phase.

1. Commit to a ‘whole North’ approach
2. Support job creation and productivity in high-growth and large-employment sectors
of the economy
3. Invest in both infrastructure and people
4. Deliver economic justice
5. Lead from the North

Related items

  1. A row of red brick Victorian houses with panoramic views across to the skyscrapers and financial district of the city of London

    Towards a fair and proportional property tax

  2. In search of the Scottish economy's 'low-hanging fruit': IPPR Scotland responds to the Muscatelli report

    The report is a serious and thoughtful analysis of what is and isn’t working in Scotland’s economic development eco-system.

  3. Celebrating 10 years of IPPR Scotland

    In celebration of our 10th anniversary, IPPR Scotland was delighted to host a daylong conference on October 29.