The Northern Powerhouse - Two Years On

I wrote the original article over two years ago and it is perhaps timely to look at what has happened in the intervening period.

At the time of the original article the UK was about to hold a general election with the subsequent scheduled for 2020 (parliament had a fixed 5 year term).  There have been two general elections since the original article as well as a referendum on the UK's place in the EU (or not as the case is). Elected mayors and devolved powers from Westminster has changed the financial power landscape and there is more power over certain governmental budgets exercised locally.  There has yet to be signs of effectiveness resulting from the devolved financial powers, and yest the financial burden of this extra level of government has occurred.

The economy has continued to boom and this is evident not only in the South East but across the entire country. Higher rents, higher levels of employment and shortages of key trained personnel continues to increase.

Perhaps the two biggest disappointments are significant developments in transport infrastructure and the re-balancing of the economy.  The government's attitude to developing northern infrastructure has perhaps most disappointingly manifested itself in the cancelling of the electrification of the Liverpool Manchester Leeds line.  Whilst Crossrail approaches completion in the South East the transport infrastructure in the north continues to stagnate.  However, the £1 Billion transformation programme at Manchester Airport is an indication of investment in northern transport hubs.  There is little sign of the re-balancing of the economy, whilst Media City heralded a new era for the BBC and Salford Quays there has been nothing to suggest that many others will follow. Although significant overseas investment continues to help house building and property development in the region.

With Brexit a little more than 18 months ahead we face uncertain times.