Local Government East (LGE), the organisation representing local authorities and the mayoral combined authority in the East of England, has submitted a bold and ambitious proposal to the Government’s Autumn Budget. The submission outlines how the East of England is uniquely positioned to deliver on the Government’s core missions: growing the economy, creating opportunity for all, and making Britain a clean energy superpower.
The submission, titled “Opportunity East: One Year On”, highlights the region’s strengths and its potential to deliver substantial housing growth and become a £235 billion GVA economy by 2029 – if the right investment and devolved powers are secured.
The submission underscores the region’s readiness to partner with Government and deliver on national priorities. The organisation calls for a fair and forward-looking Budget that recognises the East’s strategic importance and unlocks its full potential.
Key Proposals Include:
- Housing and local leadership: Delivering 227,000 new homes and major infrastructure requires empowered councils. We call for fair allocations from the Social and Affordable Homes Programme for the East, reform of Local Housing Allowance and temporary accommodation subsidies. Furthermore, devolution and funding are both needed to enable local and strategic authorities to unlock sites and plan strategically – the Fair Funding Review is only the beginning.
- Energy: The UK cannot achieve its climate ambitions without the East. We propose working with Government to secure stability for offshore wind, designate Bacton and Freeport East as a hydrogen and CCS corridor, and accelerate grid upgrades. This will boost growth and enable thousands to start their careers in clean energy.
- Water: Government must recognise that both building targets and business growth need improvements to water supply – a 600M Litre/day deficit is forecast by 2050. We need Government to facilitate supply collaboration and demand management.
- Transport: Connectivity underpins productivity. We urge Government to co-invest in Ely and Haughley rail upgrades, promote fiscally sustainable rural transport, and support the A12/A47 projects.
With targeted support for our infrastructure priorities and fair funding, our councils can unlock transformative growth for the region and the nation.
Cllr Deborah Saw, LGE Lead Member for Infrastructure, Growth and Planning said, “The East of England is already leading the UK in research and development, food security, and clean energy,”
“With targeted support for our infrastructure priorities and fair funding, our councils can unlock transformative growth for the region and the nation.”
On Monday 13 October Cllr Deborah Saw, visited the construction site for Mid Suffolk District Council’s Stowmarket Innovation Gateway which sits at the heart of Gateway 14 – the business, innovation and logistics park at Stowmarket, Suffolk, which forms part of Freeport East.
Cllr Saw said “This new centre will act as an economic catalyst boosting business, particular in high-growth sectors such as green economy and digital/AI technology and offering exciting new training opportunities in the region.
These opportunities and the skills learned will be vital to the economic growth of our region.”
The centre, which is being built by Wilten Construction Ltd, has already provided opportunities for local employment, and placements for T level apprentices.