What are Liberal Democrat economic priorities for Newcastle and the North east?
North East Liberal Democrats aim to help create and support a productive, flexible, forward-looking and responsible corporate sector by ensuring that we have:
- Up-to-date and evidence-based knowledge of business
- So far as is possible, a shared view with business of the part that industry and commerce can and should play to contribute towards the prosperity of Britain and the wellbeing of our people and communities.
- Appropriate strategies and policies, incentives and assistance to ensure an enabling and supportive government and also responsible corporate citizenship by business.
Devolution has been the major question raised with us by businesses.
Over the past eight months we have had discussions with representatives of the corporate sector and representatives of their networks. The common theme throughout has been their increasing concern about how future political decisions on the restructuring of local government will effect the business community
Current Initiatives:
- 1. CORE CITIES
"A unique and influential voice for cities
Core Cities is a unique and united local authority voice to promote the role of our cities in driving economic growth and the case for city devolution. We represent the councils of England's eight largest city economies outside London along with Glasgow and Cardiff.
These cities drive local and underpin national economies. Working in partnership, we aim to enable each City to enhance their economic performance and make them better places to live, work, visit and do business."
- 2. NORTHERN FUTURES : "Fresh thinking on economic growth in the North"
Northern Futures was introduced by the Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the Liberal Democrats Rt Hon Nick Clegg to facilitate a more open debate about decentralisation and economic growth in the North of England.
We hosted events across the North and received hundreds of ideas from universities, businesses, local authorities, young people and members of the public. We are now working with local partners to take forward some of the best ideas.
http://northernfutures.dialogue-app.com/
1.3. CENTRE FOR CITIES
"We are an independent, non-partisan think tank dedicated to understanding and improving city economies. We do this by producing evidence-based research and events exploring key areas that affect UK economies."
http://www.centreforcities.org/
- 4. IPPR (Institute for Public Policy Research) 'THE STATE OF THE NORTH'
" Looking at economic growth and productivity, investment, public services and welfare, housing, demographics and political attitudes, it gives an overview of the North's successes, challenges and future prospects."
Regional contacts:
Liberal Democrats:
Ian Jones: Chair North East Lib Dems
igljones@live.co.uk / 077713088445
Stephen O'Brien: North East Lib Dems Business Coordinator
neldbusiness@outlook.com / 07914155447
STRONGER ECONOMY - FAIRER SOCIETY - OPPORTUNITY FOR EVERYBODY