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Economic Development

Hull could be set for new 'Investment Zone' status in new Chancellor's mini-budget

Pre-announcement briefing puts Hull at the forefront of new strategy to pick up the pace of delivery - with freeport flip potential

(Image: PA)

Hull could be set to secure new Investment Zone status as Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng promises “a new era for Britain” focusing on driving economic growth.

The city was specifically namechecked in the briefing given ahead of the Commons announcement on Friday, along with the West Midlands, Tees Valley and Somerset, as discussions with 38 local and mayoral combined authority areas to set up the new status were outlined. All four Humber authorities have been in talks - with the Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communties to set out selection criteria shortly.

Already part of the Humber Freeport - still awaiting a formal launch as the final business plan is worked up, with Mr Kwarteng visiting to break ground on the Pensana site in one of his last acts as Business Secretary - Hull's new zone would be a specific site, with the areas described as “hubs for growth” and “emblematic of the modern Britain that this government want to create”.

Read more: Humber MP gets climate role in Prime Minister Liz Truss' new government

Potential to convert freeports to investment zones on a 'case by case' basis will also be considered. The site, with Smith & Nephew moving out, taking in Albert and William Wright docks and some land directly west of the marina could be seen as a prime option.

Such zones will benefit from “generous, targeted and time-limited tax cuts for businesses, backing them to increase productivity and create new jobs”. It is seen as a further lever to encourage investment in new shopping centres, restaurants, apartments and offices – creating thriving new communities.

Planning rules would also be “liberalised” to release more land for housing and commercial development, with reforms to increase the speed of delivering development.

Time-consuming negotiations between councils and developers over affordable housing contributions will be scrapped and replaced with a set percentage.