they will work together with their devolved powers to drive economic growth and improve the lives of people across the region.
Their unified approach was summed up by Liverpool city region mayor Steve Rotheram who told the press conference: “Though we speak with different accents we all speak with one voice.”
Earlier in the day, on the main stage, Angela Rayner, who describes herself as “Deputy Prime Minister for the North” was also pulling no punches in her condemnation of a political system she is determined to break through devolution.
She told delegates: “I know that the North is impatient as anyone for real change – and I am too. The gears of change haven’t always been well-oiled and a decade of decline has seen them rusted.
“You’re being resisted by a system that hoards power and investment away from where it needs to be. Too many decisions affecting too many people are made by too few. I’m here to help you break that system, and build a fairer one in its place.
“That’s what our English devolution programme is all about. It is the biggest power shift in a generation that will ensure nothing less than a wholesale total rewiring of government power in England.”
That work is already underway, she told the conference, declaring: “We’ve taken a hammer to business-as-usual in Whitehall.”
Elected mayors are at the heart of the changes. Ms Rayner has already said she is “hopeful” that Lancashire will have one by 2026, and in her speech, she spelled out why.
The Deputy PM said: “For all the techy talk of devolution, the goal is simple: we will give mayors the power to drive growth, to use new levers over planning, housing and regeneration to ‘Get Britain Building’.
“We are ending the begging bowl culture and giving local leaders flexibility over their spending. For the first time in British history, we have created a department-style integrated settlement giving Mayor Richard Parker (West Midlands) and Mayor Burnham over a billion pounds in flexible funding.”
And she went on: “It isn’t by accident that devolution sits in my department. It is
by design. Because mayors aren’t just a helpful tool to unlock housing, transport and infrastructure, they are a critical levers in our mission of growth.”
She said attempts to build houses and infrastructure such as data centres and renewable energy were too often met by a system that says “don’t bother”, adding: “Well, I am determined to break that system. And I am handing mayors the sledgehammer.
“Mayors are at the centre of our plans to build 1.5 million homes, by giving them the powers they need, mayors are an army to take on the blockers.
“We are backing them to work across huge regional geographies to get the job done. It’s why we’re giving them the powers to call in applications on those large, strategic sites that will really turn the wheel on growth.
“And it’s why we’re putting grant funding for regeneration and housing in their hands.”
The two-day gathering of the great and the good was also a chance to showcase Lancashire, putting the county and its place in forging the North’s economic future, centre stage.
To that end Coun Riggott delivered a strong Lancashire message for journalists. He said its new Combined County Authority marked a “step change” in the county’s devolution journey.
He highlighted its newly published growth plan, which was launched at the conference and is being presented for consultation.
And he told them: “The growth plan is a real reminder how important our economy is, it is one of the biggest in the North, and the opportunities we have.”
It also showed that the new combined authority was “focused on getting what needs to be done.”
The pipeline of major development and infrastructure projects contained within the plan sets out a 10-year investment package valued at more than £20bn.
Its authors say: “If supported, both locally and nationally, this investment will transform Lancashire’s economic prospects and contribute to the government’s mission to supercharge the nation’s growth performance.”
Growth Plan debate Page 87
Natalie Hughes Director and insolvency practitioner /SimplyCorp /SimplyCorp
JANUARY BLEAK AS INSOLVENCIES HIT
UNWELCOME PEAK The number of company insolvencies rose 11 per cent year-on-year to 1,971 across England and Wales in January 2025, according to data from the Insolvency Service. It was the highest level registered in January for more than five years.
This rise in corporate insolvencies is down to an increase in the number of Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidations and administrations and showed that businesses were choosing to close following too many years of challenging trading conditions and before the rise in costs from the increase to employers’ national insurance contributions and to the national minimum wage in April.
In addition, the recent cut in the growth forecast has had an impact on business confidence and led to many directors becoming unsure about investment or business growth this year, as well as reducing willingness to invest in growing their workforces.
While the economic environment is one of instability and uncertainty, businesses should prepare themselves effectively and build resilience.
Whether it’s engaging with customers, aligning with staff, or negotiating with suppliers, creating a solid financial plan is essential for survival.
Working closely with accountants and finance professionals can help ensure businesses have a firm grip on their cashflow, understand where they can make savings, while looking ahead to growth opportunities.
In addition, speaking to insolvency practitioners might seem daunting, but at Simply Corporate we offer empathetic, practical solutions tailored to recovery.
Acting sooner increases the chances of overcoming financial difficulties and securing long-term stability.
For further help and advice call
Natalie Hughes on 01282 222420
simplycorporate.co.uk
Andy Burnham
Aidy Riggott LANCASHIREBUSINES SV
IEW.CO.UK
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