Northumberland Labour Group has welcomed Sir Keir Starmer’s aim of increasing business start-up support with a focus outside London and the South East.

Cllr Lynne Grimshaw Shadow Cabinet Member said: “It’s shocking but sadly not surprising to learn that London and the South East has benefited five-fold from the current business start-up scheme. Over the lifetime of the scheme £1 in every £4 has gone to London while the figure for the North East in £1 in every £20.

“We need far greater support and investment in Northumberland which has suffered 10 years of cuts and disinvestment and we’re delighted that, nationally, Labour is determined to do something about these inequalities which are holding our county back.

“We’re also pleased to see the emphasis on different kinds of business ownership from social enterprises to co-operatives and joint ventures. It’s right that we should be looking at all sorts of solutions to make the county thrive.

“Our manifesto includes creating green jobs for a massive retrofitting programme to make homes ready for climate change and cheaper to run. We are also committed to building new, badly needed homes. There are so many opportunities for businesses to develop to meet these needs with well paid jobs for local people.

“A Labour-council would recognise and reward public services and businesses working together for the good of everyone living in Northumberland.

“After almost a year of lockdown and restrictions a vision of how the county could be is exciting and we invite people to be involved with and engaged in securing the success of this wonderful county.”