In his first broadcast interview since taking office, the Richmond MP said: “I believe in making sure that wherever you live in the country there is opportunity for you.
“It’s absolutely not just about building a road here or a railway station there, it’s about ensuring that everyone can fulfil their dreams.”
Mr Sunak emphasized the importance of the Treasury’s presence across the country, saying: “I want to make sure that the Treasury is at the front foot of that.
“We are driving economic policy in this country, it’s important that we have a presence everywhere in this country.”
He announced that the new economic campus would see one fifth of the Treasury’s headcount move, alongside members of other economic-facing departments.
Additionally, bases would be established in Wales and Northern Ireland to complement the existing setup in Scotland.
The Tees Valley was tipped as a potential location for the new Northern Treasury hub.
Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen said: “I’ve spoken to Rishi about this excellent idea a few times.
“I’m delighted that he has now confirmed that he plans to relocate a substantial number of Treasury jobs out of London to the north as part of a new economic campus.
“It is fantastic news.”
Mr Houchen added: “Having a major Treasury presence in the north is a clear demonstration of the Government’s levelling up agenda.
“But it must not go to Manchester or Leeds.
“If this is to work it must be located outside of our major cities, so that it truly represents the North and not just another metropolitan city.”
He added: “It’s time those in government recognise ‘the north’ is more than just Manchester and Leeds, and that’s why it is refreshing and reassuring to have Rishi as Chancellor.”
The mayor concluded by suggesting that locations like Teesside or Darlington would be ideal, saying: “It would be a demonstration by the Government of their true commitment to levelling up and delivering for people who voted Conservative for the very first time at the general election.”
[From The Northern Echo March 8, 2020]
