LEP Chairman Roger Marsh OBE comments on the Budget 2016

Roger Marsh OBE, Chair of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership commented:

“While we are naturally disappointed that there was no specific mention of progress towards a Leeds City Region devolution deal in today’s budget, we remain optimistic that a deal can be achieved within the 2017 timescales that other northern regions are working towards.

“As our open letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer shows, there is strong appetite locally to get the right deal in place as quickly as possible to ensure the economic progress of Yorkshire is not put at risk.

“The Chancellor’s announcements to progress a new line between Leeds and Manchester, accelerate improvements to the M62 and invest in flood defences, show confidence in the Leeds City Region, which is encouraging as we continue our devolution negotiations with government.

“I look forward to working towards a deal that not only benefits our region, but also the North and the nation as a whole.”