Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to paragraph 4.4 of the Autumn Budget 2017, how his Department plans to address the productivity gap in the North East compared to other regions of the UK.

This government places addressing the UK’s productivity challenge at the heart of its economic plan. As set out in the Budget 2017, the government will drive productivity and growth in every region of the UK by investing in infrastructure, developing skills, supporting business and devolving powers. Those going into technical education in the North East will benefit from the nationwide investment of up to £20m to prepare for T Levels. The Autumn Budget also announced a £337 million investment to replace the Tyne & Wear Metro rolling stock, and transport users in the Tees Valley Combined Authority will benefit from £59 million for investment in transport projects.