GOVERNMENT LISTENED TO CHAMBER DEMANDS
Jonathan Walker, head of policy and campaigns, North East England Chamber of Commerce said: “Our campaigning ahead of this Budget has been successful on a number of important issues for the North East.
“We wanted new Metro trains as a matter of priority and are delighted these are now on their way. As part of our desire to see a more influential North East we had asked for more funding and powers for Tees Valley and completion of a North of Tyne devolution deal. It is great news that the Chancellor has listened on both of these issues.
“Ahead of the Budget we called on the Government to get serious about the need to change the distribution of investment and economic activity in the UK. The announcements today are a big step forward but we await the long term shift in Government thinking which will hopefully come forward in the publication of the Industrial Strategy.”