Farron: Northern Powerhouse Is 'Smoke and Mirrors'

The government must back up its rhetoric with cash so it doesn't leave the North behind, according to South Lakes MP Tim Farron.

A report released today by the Lib Dems, entitled 'The Northern Powerhouse: Smoke & Mirrors?', shows that the money announced as part of the 'Northern Powerhouse' scheme is less than the shortfall created by severe cuts to council budgets.

According to the report, local authorities in England have faced an estimated 40% real-terms cut in central government funding over the last five years.

In Cumbria, local government received £148 million in core grant in 2012/13, by 2020 it is expected to be zero.

Tim said: "The Northern Powerhouse - giving a boost to the North's economy and giving people more of a say over where they live - is a great idea. To become reality, the Conservatives must match their fancy rhetoric with hard cash.

"The North of England urgently needs investment to support growth and jobs. Rather than continued cuts to local government funding, the government should be investing in transport infrastructure and broadband.

"Unless the government gives proper funding to the Northern Powerhouse, it will remain a grand title with no substance and voters in the North will continue to feel neglected by this Conservative government."