The Prime Minister is to venture into Labour heartland territory in South Yorkshire to make a keynote speech about his Government’s commitment to boost regional development projects. He will set out plans for stepping up the Northern Powerhouse initiative launched under David Cameron with a new “growth body” to “drive the region’s economic growth forward.” He will also reaffirm the Government’s commitment to the Sheffield City Region Deal – a package of funding and devolution measures – while promising to open negotiations on a similar arrangement for Leeds.
In a speech to local business leaders, mayors and councillors, the Prime Minister is expected to say: “It is time that we gave more people a say over the places where they live, and it is time that we gave you the proper ability to run things your way.
“We are going to maximise the power of the north.
“And we are going to make sure that it is people here who are in control over the things that matter to them.”
The Prime Minister will say that one of his top domestic priorities will be to give more powers to local leaders to ensure communities are in control over the things that matter to them, such as transport, infrastructure and housing.
“If we succeed in levelling up opportunity across our country, and if we truly put the power in your hands, then I believe you will do for the North – and for our whole country – what the railways did two centuries ago.
“That is the true potential of this Northern Powerhouse Partnership.
“And this is a Government that will back you to deliver it,” he said.
