Chancellor promises Budget will level up UK

From the Labour leadership race to the Conservatives new northern MPs looking to cement their positions, the race is now on politically to take a lead on levelling up opportunity across the UK.

On Tuesday the Chancellor of the Exchequer Sajid Javid made clear his ambitions for the economy beyond Brexit. “Human Capitalism,” is the phrase he used in an interview with the FT to set out how businesses across the United Kingdom can work to rebalance the economy and spread opportunities across the country.  

In promising significant reforms to the way the Treasury has traditionally worked, Mr Javid promised to invest in infrastructure projects across the North of England and The Midlands. He also pledged to go further with a renewed focus on skills and opportunity to truly level up the UK. 

With the country facing a daunting skills gap, regardless of party politics, the Chancellor's promise of a Treasury that will financially support a “skills, skills, skills” agenda is both welcome and timely. 

There’s no doubt that in areas of the country that don’t stand to benefit directly from large infrastructure projects such as HS2, it will be spreading opportunity and skills that has the real potential to change things on the ground in the places that need it most.

Indeed, in areas like Teesside which has seen a tectonic shift in its party politics recently, the challenge now will be to deliver on skills, opportunity and social mobility.

With the Budget set to be put to the House of Commons on March 11, the clock is now running to see if the Chancellor's words will result in real action.

Callum Crozier

Director of Policy and Engagement, Social Mobility Pledge