EEF responds to Autumn Statement and measures for a Northern Powerhouse

Darrell Matthews

Commenting on today’s Autumn Statement and measures for a Northern Powerhouse, Darrell Matthews, North West Region Director at EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, says: “Today’s announcement on devolution of power to Greater Manchester provides a structured blueprint to allow other areas across England to develop their own plans to pursue growth at a local level. The plans minimise disruption to the local business environment that other proposals, such as tax raising powers, would bring.

“More broadly, businesses want to see growth not internal displacement hardwired into the devolution debate; this is something which has been lacking in the cacophony of calls for more power to be devolved. Local businesses, as employers, must play a vital role in the new structures developed for English devolution if these are to be successful in spurring local growth.

“The Chancellor was right to place his emphasis on boosting productivity and the long-term resilience of the economy.

“He rightly said manufacturing is leading growth and firms will welcome positive step in making the UK a centre for innovation, with measures including the strengthening of the R&D tax credits and cutting tax on young apprentices. The investment in science and the boost for infrastructure are also helpful measures on the road towards rebalancing the economy.

“However, ultimately manufacturers would have liked to have seen greater levels of funding and longer-term commitments to spending on innovation.”