East of England: Looking to the future

Building back better and levelling up are closely linked in achieving a successful recovery. The pandemic has exacerbated many challenges which have fallen unequally across the country. The CBI has urged government to use the Comprehensive Spending Review to lay the groundwork for the UK’s long-term future, and in the submission, the CBI has made several specific East of England recommendations.

Key regional recommendations in the CSR include:

• delivering the Ely North Junction (We also recently made a supportive response to the Network Rail consultation on the Ely North Junction)
• developing funding mechanisms to support delivery of nuclear power
• As part of Project Speed we have called for regional projects to be expedited in the design and planning phases including
  • the East Anglia Rail improvements
  • upgrades to the A47 and A10
  • Lower Thames Crossing

Another recommendation is to urgently consult on the future of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund ensuring that EU Structural funds are matched and aligned to existing regional funds so that every region is in the position to realise its economic potential.

• East of England received 387 million euros of ESF and ERDF funding between 2014 and 2020.[1]

The perennial problem of regional identity

The language used around regions is designed to provoke an emotional response, from the frequent use of the term left behind to the idea of levelling-up, both of which invoke the idea of equality and fairness. It’s somewhat surprising that not every region of England has united behind a regional identity as the North has behind the term Northern Powerhouse and the Midlands behind the Midlands Engine. The East of England risks falling behind if it doesn’t form its own shared regional identity.

Oxford-Cambridge Arc

Parts of the East of England are covered by the Oxford-Cambridge Arc, and there is work underway with this fledgling regional body, most recently this has coalesced into the publication of an economic prospectus.

Potential regional groupings

Regional Director Richard Tunnicliffe has been involved in discussions led by a member around the idea of an East of England regional grouping. Other regional organisations and stakeholders are trying to form a cohesive regional identity, including most recently Hydrogen East who expressed an ambition for the East to be seen as the UK’s Clean Energy Region.

Perhaps an Eastern Generator is on the cards to work alongside the Midlands Engine and Northern Powerhouse!  Powerhouse and Engine are practical terms but quickly have become synonymous with the North and Midlands and used as shorthand in discussions. These terms showcase an industrial heritage and promote the idea of an industrious and productive future.

What next?

As the region looks to recovery it’s more important than ever for the East of England that decision making, and action is both local and agile. We continue to engage with regional stakeholders to reinforce the importance of working closely with business.

The pandemic has provided opportunities, as well as challenges, and a regional vision is needed to

• build back better, greener and stronger
• create jobs and a workforce for the future
• attract and grow world class businesses

To this end we will be publishing a manifesto for the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority mayoral election early next year. We would really value member input into this, especially around

• What you believe the value of a mayor to be
• How the mayor can ensure a sustainable and inclusive recovery for both the Combined Authority and the wider region through collaboration and true partnership.

Get involved

When we speak to policy makers we are championing the voice of business. If you would like more information about our East of England regional policy work or have thoughts about the proposed mayoral manifesto please contact Helena Coe.