Chancellor to announce £150m growth fund for northern firms

John Healey, the Labour Party’s newly appointed Shadow Chancellor, is set to outline a series of measures aimed at distributing economic growth more evenly across the United Kingdom in the lead‑up to his first budget presentation. The forthcoming policy package is expected to focus on regional investment, infrastructure upgrades, and skills development programmes designed to address long‑standing disparities between England’s south‑east and other parts of the country, including the north, Wales and Scotland.

Healey’s plan will reportedly include increased funding for transport links, digital connectivity and green energy projects, alongside incentives for businesses to locate operations outside traditional economic hubs. By emphasizing a “growth for all” agenda, the Labour frontbench hopes to demonstrate a comprehensive approach to fiscal policy ahead of the budget, positioning the party as ready to manage the nation’s finances and promote balanced regional development.