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North East cities counter 'lagging behind' claims

Earlier this week we reported on a study from the Institute of Public Policy Research which showed that cities in the North East are among the slowest growing in the country.

The North East branch of Communities and Local Government (CLG) has responded with several points to counter the assertions of the report. According to CLG, Sunderland and Newcastle have seen an increase of more than 7% in the number of jobs between 1997-2003, with jobs growth in Middlesbrough exceeding 6%, and unemployment has fallen significantly since the late 1990s in all cities in the region, particularly in Newcastle. In addition, Middlesbrough, Newcastle and Sunderland have seen a marked rise in the proportion of graduates in their workforces – especially in Newcastle where the increase is well above the regional average – which is supporting the dynamic new economic sectors.

A spokesman for CLG said: “All our cities have seen a real renaissance in the last ten years as a result of unprecedented economic growth and £20bn of investment since 1997. “No government has done more to help make cities stronger and more vibrant. We recognise more needs to be done and will keep a sustained focus on our cities with extensive plans in place, to support local councils and regional development agencies as the forthcoming review of the sub-national economy will set out.

“For example we have already set up the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, Urban Regeneration Companies and the Pathfinder scheme. Local communities know what their area needs best and this is why we are devolving more powers to regions and local areas so they are equipped to drive forward greater prosperity and opportunity in their cities.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .