A raft of innovative new measures to help build momentum in the region’s economy have been suggested by the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership as it makes its budget representations to the Government.
The LEP has submitted a package of proposals, including requesting funding confirmation for the A63 Castle Street upgrade in Hull and the part-funding of a new National Flood Resilience Centre in Scunthorpe, as well as asking for commitment to the Energy Estuary 2.0 Strength in Places Fund bid led by the University of Hull.
The opportunities and projects chosen all complement the LEP’s aims of its upcoming Industrial Strategy – accelerating clean growth, developing the ports and manufacturing clusters and expanding the knowledge economy.
Lord Haskins, outgoing chair of the LEP, said that if the Government was to agree to these measures, it would support the LEP and its partners to implement the Humber’s strategy at pace.
“This is an exciting time for the Humber and there are many innovative projects being developed across the region that we hope the Government will put its support behind,” he said.
“Through the development of our industrial strategy we have a clear plan for the future of the Humber economy and through consultation with our partners we know exactly what we need to put in place to achieve this.”
Castle Street’s upgrade could see improved access to the Port of Hull and would help relieve congestion in the city, while a flood focus would improve the Ƶ’s ability to respond to major catastrophes and facilitate innovation in flood prevention solutions. The Energy Estuary 2.0 Strength in Places Fund would expand internationally-significant energy research already taking place in the area, underlining the existing credentials as the world’s leading offshore wind cluster.
The LEP has also backed the caravan and motorhome sector’s request to reclassify motorhomes as commercial vehicles for Vehicle Excise Duty purposes, urging Government to work with them to find a way forward that protects both the industry as well as the tourism jobs it supports.
“Our budget representation to the Government clearly sets out measures that would support economic growth and regeneration across all areas of our region, whether large-scale infrastructure projects such as the A63 upgrade, or measures to help important industries such as the issue of vehicle excise duty on motorhomes or changing the way business rates are implemented to encourage more development,” Lord Haskins said.
In a bid to increase the development and refurbishment of commercial premises, the LEP has recommended trebling the rate-free period for empty property in areas with weaker markets such as the Humber, which would reduce developer risk.
Among the other measures, the LEP also recommends funding is provided for a feasibility study into the Lagoon Hull project, asks that tolls on estuarial crossings are reviewed as the Humber Bridge celebrates its 40th birthday in 2021, and lodged the region’s interest in establishing a freeport to encourage new manufacturing activity, building on the legacy of its enterprise zone. New Chancellor Rishi Sunak launched the consultation in Southampton earlier this week.
Finally, the LEP has also asked that the forthcoming Ƶ Shared Prosperity Fund – the successor to current European Structural & Investment Funds (ESIF) – is devolved to LEP areas, with funding matching or exceeding current levels.
“The Humber has an excellent track record of committing funding to projects in the current £94 million programme – the region has the highest level of ESIF commitment in the country, and the LEP is now working to bring in additional funds that other parts of the country have not been able to spend,” Lord Haskins added.
*This article has been updated following Thursday's change of Chancellor in the Government reshuffle.
