Green Book changes can unlock crucial North East infrastructure

Cramlington and Killingworth’s Labour and Co-operative MP Emma Foody has welcomed the announcements in the Spending Review on an updated Green Book which will help to unlock crucial infrastructure such as Moor Farm roundabout in her constituency.

Ms Foody supported calls for a review of the Green Book and speaking in a debate in April she set out that “too often, the north has been short-changed” and that under the previous Conservative government’s Green Book “the north was left behind again and again”.

She went on to state that “the Green Book holds back the north-east and prevents us from getting our fair share of investment. If we get this right, we can ensure that the north-east gets its chance and the right investment, which will drive growth for not just the region but the whole country”.

Today in the Spending Review, the Chancellor set out that the government will move to “place-based business cases” that will support investment in regions across the country including the North East.

Speaking following the announcement, Emma Foody MP added “I called for changes to the Green Book to support investment into our communities and I am delighted that the government have listened.

“For too long, the previous Conservative government’s Green Book methodology disadvantaged our area, making it harder for investment to come forward in the North East, and under this government this will finally change, helping to unleash our enormous potential”