In one of her final acts in office, Prime Minister Theresa May has strengthened the Northern Powerhouse.
Minister Jake Berry will now straddle two key departments as he helps deliver prosperity beyond the Home Counties.
He has had his oversight and co-ordination of local economic growth enhanced with a role in both Housing and Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
Government has said it will also ensure key policies like the £1.6 billion Stronger Towns Fund and the Northern Powerhouse are at the heart of delivering the government’s modern industrial strategy.
It comes ahead of a refreshed Northern Powerhouse Strategy, due to be published later this year, bringing together the Government, northern businesses and local leaders with a renewed focus on growth.
Mr Berry said: “At the heart of the Northern Powerhouse is an unshakeable partnership between business, communities and government.
“We’re investing more into transport in the north than any other government in history, and with nearly 50 per cent of the north represented by Metro Mayors, a Northern Powerhouse economy worth over £339 billion, and now, with an expanded, cross-governmental ministerial position, that partnership is stronger than ever.
“I’m delighted to accept this new appointment and I’m grateful to the Prime Minister for the unwavering support she has given to the Northern Powerhouse.
“We are on the cusp of a new era for the north with our modern Industrial Strategy boosting economic growth, supporting advanced manufacturing and creating the right economic conditions to make the Northern Powerhouse one of the most competitive, business-friendly regions not just in the Ƶ but in the world.”
The Lancashire MP took over from Brigg and Goole MP Andrew Percy following the 2017 General Election.
Communities Secretary, James Brokenshire, said: “With this broadened ministerial role, the government has cemented its long-term commitment to the Northern Powerhouse. In Jake Berry, the government has a minister who has worked tirelessly with the Metro Mayors and our partners in the public and private sectors to drive growth, investment and job creation throughout the north.
“As we look to the future - including the Borderlands Growth Deal and the second phase of the Grimsby Town Deal - the government has an empowered minister ready to roll up their sleeves and deliver for the Northern Powerhouse and local communities across the country.”
It follows backing from Whitehall of a key plank of the Northern Powerhouse’s future - the Humber’s ambition to hit net zero carbon emissions by 2040.
Business Secretary Greg Clark said: “I would like to warmly welcome Jake Berry to BEIS in his strengthened role as joint Minister for Housing Communities and Local Government and BEIS Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth Minister.
“I look forward to working with him on this important agenda, as we work with local leaders across the country on their local industrial strategies, helping to build on the strengths of each area to secure their economic future.”
The move was welcomed by the CBI.
Yorkshire & Humber regional director Beckie Hart said: “This is a welcome announcement and we look forward to working with Jake Berry in the days, weeks and months ahead. The Northern Powerhouse is a key part of the Ƶ’s economy, adding over £339 billion to the economy a year, yet it’s productivity continues to lag behind other parts of the country.
“This new position will be welcome by businesses, recognising the need for a strong advocate for the region.
“It is an important first step towards taking a much more joined up approach across departments and embedding the Industrial Strategy in all parts of the government’s work.
“Continuing to work closely with businesses and stakeholders across the North will be key for the Minister in order to promote the important work of this region nationally and internationally, particularly considering the leading role the region will play in addressing the Grand Challenges as set out within the Industrial Strategy, and the existing and future sector strengths of this region.”
