A on the annual health-check of the North of England's economy by The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) North has reiterated what we have been saying for years – we are the poor relations to the elitist south.
It says funding for levelling up ‘pales in comparison to local government austerity’. There has been a £413 per-person drop in the North, and a £388 drop across England, in annual council service spending over the last decade, the thinktank says.
IPPR North also says Britain is becoming more centralised. Four years ago, 95 pence in every £1 paid in tax was taken by Whitehall. Despite the levelling up agenda, this has now increased to 96p, says the report.
The thinktank adds that between 2015 and 2020, for every job created in the North, nearly three were created in London and the wider south east.
Steve Fritchley said, “Despite all the promises of levelling up and building back Britain, we are seeing regional divides widening across the UKs regions, not shortening.
“In the words of the prime minister, ‘someone in Blackpool is offered the same life chances to someone in Rutland’ – well this could not be further from the truth and we seem to have another lie emanating from the tory government.
“What we want is for them to put their money where their mouth is and not just spout these slogans and make these half-hearted promises when it is election time. We need real investment. We need real jobs. We need real opportunities. We need a real equitable investment across the whole country.
“We have had no money from the Levelling Up or Towns Funds to date, and with muting’s suggesting that decisions on funds are ‘politically motivated’ then it begs the question - Will we ever see any funding in Bolsover District?
“I have said for years that we are willing to work in collaboration with political partners, whatever their colour, to ensure we get the best possible deals for Bolsover District. So Prime Minister, give us a call, come and see us and let’s do ‘levelling up’ properly.”
You can see the full IPPR North report on their website.